Keane gamble over FA charges

Manchester United fear Roy Keane's desire to contest Football Association disrepute charges could undermine their pursuit of silverware.

United were anxious for the charges arising from Keane's autobiography to be dealt with during their captain's six-week lay-off following surgery.

But it seems Keane is determined to fight his corner and there are fears at Old Trafford that any protracted dispute with the FA will mean any ban will not be imposed until after he has regained full fitness.

United are expected to discuss the issue with the Irishman's advisers in the next 48 hours and are anxious that he is aware of the risks.

Keane faces two charges arising from comments made in his autobiography about his tackle on Manchester City's Alf- Inge Haaland. He has until September 18 to respond. The United captain is recovering from a hip operation which is expected to sideline him for at least six weeks and could coincide perfectly with a possible ban.

There also remains a chance that Keane will receive a hefty fine, which would almost certainly prompt fierce opposition from his camp. But if he does suffer a ban, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to conclude that he would rather the player served it while he regained full fitness.