Both players and Ferguson all appeared together in a show of unity in an attempt to make it clear the players would be staying at Old Trafford beyond this season.

United normally do not comment on transfer rumours but, according to Ferguson, the magnitude of the "gossip" meant something had to be done.

"When I first came to Manchester United 17 years ago, I was linked with 112 players in a single year," the Scot said late Friday.

"I am experienced enough to know that this club makes news on the front and back pages.

"That doesn't surprise me. What annoys me is that the increasing crescendo of unfounded gossip is becoming silly and dangerous.

"You wonder if people are trying to dismantle the spirit in the club or if they are trying to unbalance us before the FA Cup final.

"Whatever the reasons, it's important that we clarify the situation for the benefit of everyone concerned."

Ferguson and his two stars unequivocally spelt out the situation - both players are staying where they are.

Some of the other "gossip" was also explained by the trio.

Van Nistelrooy did have a minor training ground argument with David Bellion last week, but it was no more ferocious than the normal day-to-day spats at any club.

Ferguson has not fallen out with Keane over his Republic of Ireland international U-turn and there has been no major bust-up with his captain over the future direction of the club.

"As far as Ruud is concerned, we wanted to clarify whether he is going to Barcelona, Real Madrid or whether he is staying here," said 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."

Keane added: "Without a doubt, I will be here next season and beyond that probably. I have two years left on my contract and I see this as being my last club."

As for van Nistelrooy, he said: "The rumours haven't been unsettling for me because I know the situation and I know what really is going on - I am going nowhere.

"But I can imagine that people will read things and think about it. That is why I want to clear it for everybody else."

It is thought the stories linking him with Madrid are emanating from Real themselves in the hope speculation will help them land a man who has scored 106 times in less than three seasons since his 19-million-pound move from PSV Eindhoven.

The tactic has worked in the past, notably with Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo and van Nistelrooy's agent Rodger Linse is known to have held high level discussions with Real officials.

However any movement towards a transfer has now been stopped by the Dutchman.

"Rodger is my agent, he works for me," said the 27-year-old forward. "I told him I want to stay. He knows that and he is not talking to anybody else about me.

"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.

"We are building a new team at Manchester United and I want to be part of it. I want to be successful at this club."

One of the major reasons previous denials have been dismissed so swiftly, even by fans, is they are so reminiscent of the ones produced 12 months ago to head off transfer talk linking David Beckham with the move to Real Madrid that eventually went through in July.

Old Trafford officials have been quick to point out that since then, David Gill has replaced Peter Kenyon as chief executive, while director of communications Paddy Harverson has also departed.

Keane is still troubled by the hamstring problem that forced him out of Ireland's midweek trip to Poland, while van Nistelrooy missed last weekend's disappointing home loss to Liverpool with a thigh strain.