Considering that he was some miles away, limbs rendered inactive by surgery, mind still dulled by anaesthetic, it says much about the Manchester United captain that his name still permeated proceedings on Tuesday night. Keane-less and hence dis-United was the tone of most dispatches, and it is true that Sir Alex Ferguson's remnants were not at their pulsating, bewitching, pre-eminent best.
Even when the Old Trafford totem is present, it must be added, United have at times been just as desultory – typically when they confront a tactically astute, highly organised team like Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough. But here, according to the Keane aficionados among the prawn-eaters, the season-ticket holders and the commentators, United were not just a captain short, but a Superman light of a complete Marvel Comic parade of heroes. They mourned the non-availability of a character who is both mythologised and demonised, almost as if he had passed on, not merely gone under the knife in order to have some repair work carried out on a hip.
Keane is a crucial component of United's success in the opinion of those who insist there is a direct correlation between the Irishman's presence and United's level of performance. No one disputes the fact that he is a sublime director of tempo, hugely energetic and a demanding leader. Few coaches would not avail themselves of his presence given the opportunity. But indispensable?
For the present, Giggs and Beckham are entrusted with the captaincy, a responsibility which habitually has been crucial at Old Trafford, although Ferguson's field marshals, including Robson, Cantona and Keane, have all had their idiosyncrasies.
But, if ever there was a player who merits the captain's armband and who represents the talented yet imperturbable future of United it is the £29m man who came of age during the World Cup.
On Saturday, the 23-year-old Ferdinand will be welcomed back to Elland Road. Well, perhaps that's expecting too much during a Leeds-Manchester United contest, but it says much about the respect he is afforded that he is unlikely to be subjected to the vitriol that Sol Campbell faced on his return to White Hart Lane.
His advocates would not pretend he was a paragon. In his younger years, Ferdinand was guilty of a drink-driving offence and made the pages of a Sunday tabloid following some unsavoury behaviour on holiday. But on the pitch, he may come to provide the face of rationality and moderation among those at Old Trafford who too often appear as gargoyles of dissent.