Although Sir Alex Ferguson claimed after the match that his Manchester United side could have had a penalty themselves, Joe was commendably restrained when asked about the challenge late in the second half that could have led to the dismissal of Keane, who had already been booked for dissent.
Many observers felt the incident could have justified a red card in its own right, but Joe says simply: "I got a little cut in my mouth but it was just one of those things. The ref could have given it as a penalty, and all I know is it that it hurt.
"I cut inside and I was in on goal but it is all by the by now because we have won the game - so let's enjoy it."
What Joe enjoyed most was being given a central midfield role, and he adds: "I played inside in my natural position in the middle of a four, where I can do everything I want to do - tackle, pass, get forward, defend - that is what my game is all about.
"It was only Harry that said I couldn't play in that position but I knew all along that I was as good there as anyone at the club. I am as strong as anyone and the technical side is not a problem, so just to play my natural position for the first time against players like Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham - world class players - and to beat them, is great.
"Hopefully the gaffer can stick me in there for the next game, but I'm not going to get upset if he puts me on the left because if I'm playing, I'm playing.
"But it is more comfortable playing inside where you can pass the ball, tackle, and get up and down; that is what I like to do.
"To be involved and to play against such great players and come out on top is a great achievement for me and Michael especially.
"It was a great win and we have got to play like that all the time."
Joe admits that the side were surprised by David Beckham's absence, and adds: "We thought David Beckham was going to play and Glenn wanted to put Trevor around him but then the gaffer said we've been working on that all week, so we are going to carry on doing it, and so we did."
Joe stops short of saying that United's team selection was an insult to the Hammers but adds: "We took it really ....well, you look at the players they have left out and they must have been thinking we were easy money.
"But we played brilliantly and it is great to be part of another win up there.
"We held our own and defended well and there is big respect for all the players that were out there."