The Irish midfielder has announced his retirement from international football, but according to a statement released by United he could even have quit club football.
However, he decided to carry on playing, though the medical advice to cut the number of games he played pre-empted his international retirement.
"Roy Keane had undergone hip surgery in September 2002. The orthopaedic surgeon said it was a serious potential career threatening injury,' the club statement said.
'With slow and very careful rehabilitation Roy has made a good recovery from surgery.
'The possibility of retirement from the game following the surgery was discussed but Roy decided that this was not the course of action he wanted to take.
'Periods of rest'
"It is self evident that being able to give Roy periods of rest if his hip becomes a problem is likely to prolong his career. This is possible within a Club situation.
'The break he gets during international games can only be of benefit to him. From a strictly medical viewpoint once the decision to continue playing was taken, any way of limiting the number of games he plays is in Roy's best interests.
"It has been in no-one's interest to persuade Roy Keane to retire from international football, based purely on medical grounds and not football issues.
'Roy has decided to do what is best for him and his family."
Is International retirement a price worth paying to keep Roy fit? Have your say.
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International retirement is one of the best decisions Roy Keane made. He wasn't enjoying international football due to his fallout with Mick McCarthy. Prolonging his Manchester United career can only be a good thing the way we've been playing recently. He's a great player and leader, I hope he plays for years to come.