Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has ruled out an operation on his troublesome knee and will be fit to face Sunderland on Saturday.

Reports suggested the Irishman would undergo surgery on Wednesday and be out of action for three months.

United have refused to reveal the extent of Keane's injury but manager Sir Alex Ferguson indicated there was a problem following the 5-0 Champions League win over Zalegerszeg.

United already have problems in midfield, with England internationals Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes out of action.

Scholes could be out for a fortnight after being injured against Zalaegerszeg.

The midfielder, who scored the third after 21 minutes, was stretchered off early in the second half with an ankle injury.

That means Scholes will miss England's friendly against Portugal on 7 September.

Defender Wes Brown broke an ankle in the first match against Zalaegerszeg and is expected to be out for three months.

Butt has a toe injury and missed Tuesday's game.

United are not sure if he will be fit for the trip to Sunderland at the weekend.

And Ferguson has injury problems elsewhere in his side.

First-choice goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has a hip injury, while right-back Gary Neville is still recovering from a broken metatarsal in his foot.

Ferguson admits he could do with signing a couple of players before Saturday's transfer deadline.

But his efforts to sign French defender Julien Escude from Rennes have been unsuccessful.