LOOK WHO'S BACK

From the Guardian:

After almost four months spent fuming on the sidelines, it took Roy Keane only 12 minutes to signal his return to action in typically snarling fashion last night.

The Irishman's trademark ear-bashing was reserved for Ricardo Lopez, apparently dawdling over his distribution during Manchester United's 3-2 reserve defeat to Newcastle.

Keane, his hip recovered from surgery, was making his first appearance since the 1-1 Premiership draw with Sunderland on August 31.

He had three opportunities to earn United a draw, spearing them all over the bar, much to the horror of the 2,077 shivering spectators spattered around the South Stand, who generated an eerie atmosphere.

There was a few straggling cries of "Keano" as the Irishman followed his captain for the night, Michael Stewart, on to the turf. Indeed, none of the youthful home side dared berate the Irishman when he wastefully gave away possession with his first touch.

Keane was sharp, his box-to-box running unchecked, renewed relish in every challenge, and he probably earned a place on the United bench at Blackburn.

"I just wanted to get 90 minutes from Roy," said Sir Alex Ferguson. "That's all I required from him. He's been doing terrific training-wise, but he needed the game under his belt."