Manchester Utd XI v Celtic XI: The split between Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane - which resulted in the Cork man leaving Old Trafford so abruptly - apparently has done nothing to lessen the Manchester United manager's admiration of the player.
Ferguson admits his glorious 20-year reign as manager at the club may have encompassed more talented individuals than Keane, but that the player's indomitable spirit, forceful personality and sheer will-to-win sets him apart from all the rest.
"Taking everything into consideration, Roy Keane is the best player I have ever had at this club," said Ferguson. "He was not as talented as Eric Cantona, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, nowhere near it. But you come across these once-in-a-lifetime people who have this desire which comes from the heart.
"Roy's obsession with winning and the demands he put on other players made him the most influential player in the dressingroom and a great captain. A few days ago I was asked to pick my all-time best top 16 Manchester United players. I would have rather picked 20 because there was less risk of embarrassing myself.
"But when time ticks on, decades from now, the name of Roy Keane will stand alongside those of Bryan Robson, Duncan Edwards and Paul Scholes as among the very best Manchester United have ever seen."
Keane's contribution during 11 amazing years with the club will be recognised tomorrow in his testimonial match against current club, Celtic. The 34-year-old will wear the famous red United shirt for at least some of the game, with Keane likely to play one half for each side.
In an United career during which Keane won seven English Premier League titles and four FA Cups, Ferguson has no hesitation in picking out what was probably the most bitter-sweet night of the midfielder's professional life as his greatest game.
"That semi-final against Juventus, no question," said Ferguson of the night Keane inspired United to a 3-2 win against the Italian giants in Turin.
United had gone 2-0 down early in the semi-final second leg and Keane's performance was made even more astonishing because he had already picked up a booking that would rule him out of the following month's final.
"It was a totally selfless performance. Absolutely wonderful. The tragedy of the night was that he picked up the very soft booking which ruled him out of the final."
Unless Keane opts to continue his playing career into next season and Celtic then draw United in the Champions League, tomorrow will represent the last time he plays at Old Trafford. Yet, Ferguson doesn't discount the possibility he could return as manager one day.
"It just depends on what Roy wants to do. He certainly has the right intelligence, drive and knowledge of the game. I would always advise anyone to continue playing as long as they can. They are the best moments of your life. I can assure you, management does not come anywhere near it."
