Is Ruud on the move?

Van Nistelrooy has been linked with Real Madrid, while veteran captain Keane is a reported target for Celtic.

But the pair appeared alongside Ferguson in a show of unity at the Carrington training complex on Friday.

And Ferguson said: "Things have become silly and dangerous in the last two weeks. There is no foundation to the gossip that they are leaving."

It was claimed Van Nistelrooy had been involved in a row with Ferguson, while it was also reported the Old Trafford boss was unhappy with Keane's decision to revive his Republic of Ireland career.

But Ferguson said: "I think it is important that it comes straight from everyone involved.

"As far as Ruud is concerned, we wanted to clarify whether he is going to Barcelona, Real Madrid or whether he is staying here. We are clear in our mind about that.

"Things have become silly and dangerous in the last two weeks Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson

"Roy is the same. There has been speculation that he is going to Celtic, that he has had a massive bust-up with me and that the Irish situation has been a problem.

"It hasn't been and It's important to clear this up."

Van Nistelrooy has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona but the Dutch striker, who will return to the United line-up for Saturday's game with Blackburn, insisted he is going nowhere.

"I signed a new contract in January and I said in the past I am going nowhere.

"I want to stay and be part of the club over the next four years and I will keep reminding everybody that is the case.

"This was a good day to come out and show the fans what the real situation is. That is it."

It is a bit worrying as the transfer talk seems to be going the same way as the Becks saga last season From Red Rock Have your say on 606

Keane also played down talk of an argument and argued that his return to the international scene would have minimal impact on his United career.

"I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that I can combine my appearances for United with those for Ireland," said Keane.

"I don't see it as a gamble. It's an extra five games a season. Some are at the end of the season and others are double-headers so I honestly don't see a problem.

"I don't want to go into the ins and outs of why I have gone back but it was something I wanted to do and I felt it was the right thing to do.

"I feel I can manage my hip a lot better now"

Van Nistelrooy was in defiant mood as he said: ""I can fulfil all my ambitions at Manchester United.

"That is why I committed myself to the club for so long. I want to be part of this team, this club, for the next four years.

"Before I signed my new contract I spoke with the manager and the club about their plans for the future. I know where the club is going and I want to be part of it because they are good plans.

"I don't have a clause in my contract - I don't need one because I want to be here."