Roy Keane will take over the Manchester United captain's armband from Eric Cantona - but only on a trial basis. Manager Alex Ferguson wants to see whether being captain suits the Republic of Ireland midfielder.

Striker Paul Scholes, meanwhile, may step into the role vacated by Eric Cantona but is urging: "Don't make any direct comparisons." The recently-capped England star is relishing the chance of regular top-flight football, but is wary of being compared to his predecessor.