Keane will continue training at Carrington instead of flying out

Keane and team-mate Wes Brown are both injured but Ferguson denied earlier reports they had been ruled out.

"We will be making a decision on Tuesday or Wednesday but we are keen for them to join us," Ferguson said.

But left-back Gabriel Heinze, who is rested, and midfielder Quinton Fortune (knee) will definitely miss the tour.

Fortune is sidelined after a knee operation injury while Heinze has been given extended leave after playing for Argentina in this summer's Confederations Cup.

New signings Edwin van der Sar and Park Ji-Sung have been named in the squad, along with Chinese import Dong Fangzhou, who has yet to make his first senior appearance for the club.

United have friendlies at Clyde and Peterborough before they head to Hong Kong on 21 July, the start of a four-match programme in eight days.

As well as the Hong Kong national XI, Ferguson's side will also tackle Beijing Hyundai, as well as J-League duo Kashima Antlers and Urawa Red Diamonds.

"By the time we come home we will only have one more game before the Champions League qualifier on either 9 or 10 August, so the tour is crucial to everyone's preparation," Ferguson added.