Keane vents his fury at injured Haaland after his horror challenge (GaryMPrior/Allsport)

The Manchester United skipper could be charged with bringing the game into disrepute following his confession of a premeditated attack on the Norwegian in a derby clash at Old Trafford in April last year.

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said that they would wait until Keane's book is published at the end of the month before deciding whether to take action.

He said: 'We have looked at the comments by Roy Keane and given them some consideration, but our view is that, at the moment, it is part of a serialisation and we would like to see the full context before making a decision.

'However, we certainly would not expect any one player to set out to physically hurt an opponent.'

Haaland was also reported to be considering taking legal action but in Manchester last night he insisted: 'I don't want to say anything yet.'

Haaland has been in discussions with City, who are speaking with the FA about the references that show Keane was intent on carrying out a revenge attack as the feud between the pair spilled over.

A possible suspension for Keane is the last thing United need as they fly out to Hungary this morning for their Champions League qualifier against Zalaegerszegi without the injured Fabien Barthez and Rio Ferdinand.

The Keane incident was deemed retribution for the spat between them three years earlier when Haaland was with Leeds. That clash left Keane out of football for nearly a year with self-inflicted damage to his cruciate knee ligament.

	Mirror image: Haaland riled as Keane lies in agony at Elland Road in 1997 (PeterWilcock/Empics)

Keane reveals in his book: 'I still hadn't forgotten him. Now it was Man City at home, his new club fighting relegation.

'I waited until five minutes from the end. I f****** hit him hard. I think the ball was there. "Take that you c*** - and don't ever stand over me again sneering about faking injuries - and tell your pal Wetherall (David) there's some for him as well!"

'I didn't even wait for the ref to show the red card.'

As Keane attempts to cope with the fall-out from his comments, United prepare for a crucial trip to Budapest with Ferdinand ruled out for a fortnight with an ankle injury and Barthez believed to have sustained a slight tear to his thigh muscle.

Northern Ireland international Roy Carroll will play in his place, with young Ben Williams taking his place on the bench.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said last night: 'Rio's injury is not as bad as we feared. There is not that much swelling. He will not make the European game while Saturday may also be too soon.'