Almost 70,000 turn up for Keane's United testimonial

MANCHESTER, England, May 9 (Reuters) Almost 70,000 fans filled Old Trafford today to honour former captain Roy Keane's contribution to Manchester United.

Ireland midfielder Keane, 34, who joined Celtic in January after more than 12 1/2 years and close to 500 games for United, was given a fitting send off by the Manchester fans in a testimonial match won 1-0 by the home team.

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal in the second half.

Keane, who won seven league titles and four FA Cups with United, swapped the green and white hoops of Celtic for the red of the Manchester club at halftime.

Playing one final time for United manager Alex Ferguson, who hailed Keane as one of the club's finest players of all time, the Irishman set up the winning goal for Ronaldo.

''You get clubs who are happy to come second or third. Not United,'' Keane said in the match programme.

''The fans don't deserve anything less than winning and that's what the manager and the club are about.'' Keane also spoke briefly on the pitch at the end of the game, saying: ''This is something I will remember for the rest of my life''.

Reuters PDS VP0353