However, he continued to insist that the charges against him were "not justified".

Keane was handed the double punishment at an FA disciplinary hearing after claiming in his autobiography that he deliberately set out to hurt Alf-Inge Haaland in April 2001.

However, despite his decision to accept his punishment, Keane remains adamant that he should not have faced action over the episode.

And he added that he dropped his appeal in United's interest rather than his own.

He said in a statement: "I believe that the charges brought against me by the Football Association were not justified and I feel that the evidence and arguments put forward by me and my legal representatives to the disciplinary commission were sufficiently strong.

"Accordingly, I would prefer to have this matter reviewed by way of appeal.

"However, I consider that I must put the interests of Manchester United and my family before my own and for that reason I have decided not to pursue an appeal against the FA disciplinary commission."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had already hinted that Keane would not contest the ban.

But the former Irish captain's comments suggest that he has only accepted the suspension under pressure from the club.

A statement released by Old Trafford added: "Manchester United supports Roy's decision not to appeal against the FA's judgement.

"This now allows everyone to draw a line under the matter.

"We look forward to the club captain regaining full fitness and returning to first-team action on the completion of his suspension."

Keane will miss Premiership games against Manchester City, West Ham, Newcastle and Liverpool, as well as United's last-16 Worthington Cup tie.

He is expected to return to action against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 7 December.