Haaland could sue over tackle

"We are not prepared to comment on any prospective legal action at this stage. However, Alfie is still undergoing treatment for his knee injury and he won't be fit for the start of the season. He has been out of action for a long time."

Keane, in Budapest today preparing for Manchester United's Champions League qualifier against Hungarian title winners Zalaegerszeg, refused to comment, while manager Sir Alex Ferguson also declined to discuss the matter.

Haaland and Keane have been at loggerheads ever since the United captain was injured following a foul on Haaland during a League game between United and Leeds at Elland Road five years ago.

Keane snapped the cruciate ligament in his right knee. In his book, which is being serialised in The Times, Keane claims Haaland accused him of faking the injury while he was lying in agony on the Elland Road turf. Keane has admitted his foul on Haaland was a revenge bid for that.

Yesterday, after flying into Manchester from Norway on Monday evening, Haaland was in the familiar position of undergoing medical treatment at City's training ground - and discussing possible action against his old and bitter rival.

Keane's controversial book has revealed how he dreaded the build-up to internationals and slammed the Republic of Ireland's preparations which "handicapped" the team's chances. The former Ireland captain, who was sensationally sent home from the World Cup, condemned preparations for a qualifying game against Holland in Amsterdam when the players were given cheese sandwiches for their pre-match meal.

He claims Ireland manager Mick McCarthy agreed to take on board some of his concerns but did not implement any changes. "McCarthy, having played in the (Jack) Charlton era, was aware of the shambles that was preparation for the Irish games," Keane said.

"The poor training ground at Clonshaugh. The crap gear. The travel arrangements that confined the players to economy class while the big shots sat up in business or first class. But nothing seemed to change.

"I dreaded the prospect of international weeks. I was proud to be Irish but ashamed at the way we went about preparing for games. I kept my mouth shut. Don't rock the boat, Roy. But I knew we were handicapped by giving other footballing nations a headstart.

"We were also cheating the Irish fans who passionately followed us around the world," Keane continued. "If anything, I thought things got worse. Our first qualifier was against Holland in Amsterdam. We travelled economy on the flight, checked ourselves in at the airport, carried our own bags and met at the airport hotel. We were given cheese sandwiches to eat. It was either that or a take-away pizza. I thought, was I wasting my time or what? At Old Trafford the manager would listen to everything, actually seek your opinion about everything, any little thing that might give the smallest advantage.

"When we got to the stadium McCarthy gave me a pull. 'What's up with you?' he asked. 'What's up with me?' I responded. 'What's up with me? We're f***ing playing Holland tomorrow in a World Cup qualifier. Do you think Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is eating f***ing cheese sandwiches or a take-away f***ing pizza tonight?'

"We went 2-0 up in the match. They were squabbling among themselves, as the Dutch do. But in the second half they threw the kitchen sink at us. We held on for a 2-2 draw.

"I was gutted. But everybody was celebrating. McCarthy was on the pitch, pleased as Punch. He moved in my direction. I walked past him. I said nothing."

Meanwhile, United will be without record signing Rio Ferdinand (ankle) tomorrow and French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, who has not recovered from a hip problem.