Manchester United captain Roy Keane has again expressed a desire to one day succeed Alex Ferguson as manager at Old Trafford.

Keane revealed last summer that he hopes to stay in the game in a coaching capacity once his playing career has finished.

This season he has begun preparing for the future by studying for an UEFA coaching licence, and his ambitions off the field clearly match his competitiveness on it.

"I have spoken to one or two people in the game and it is something which appeals to me - going down the road to becoming a manager," Keane told reporters.

"I wouldn't like to say for certain, but it is definitely something in the back of my mind.

"I'd like to pass on the experience I have had - and I have been fortunate to play under some brilliant managers such as Sir Alex and Brian Clough.

"The challenge would appeal to me and to be manager of Manchester United? Why not!

"Hopefully the boss will be here for a few more years but, yeah, it is something which has crossed my mind.

"I am in the process, along with a few other players at United, of sitting my coaching badges over the next year or two, and then who knows?"

The world's top referee is to be honoured for his outstanding contribution to sport and fair play. Italy's Pierluigi Collina (43), is to be recognised with an honorary doctorate from the University of Hull.