Fergie Admits Keane Row

By David Hobbs
August 9 2005

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted a rift with club captain Roy Keane while on a pre-season training in Portugal.

Ferguson did not say whether the rift was the reason why Roy Keane did not travel with United to Asia for pre-season, however Keane is still nursing a slight hamstring injury.

The Scotsman explained: "Roy and I had a few words at our training camp in Portugal. But did he walk out? Did we come to blows? Of course not.

"We are both combustible characters and we are always having arguments.

"I wish I had a pound for every row I have had with Roy Keane. He cares and I care and, every so often, we clash in pursuit of our ambitions. That does not affect the respect I have for him and I do not think it lessens my standing as a manager in Roy Keane's eyes.

"I feel slightly stupid having to explain the background to all these petty disputes but the media make so much out of them, I cannot let them go unchallenged."

Keane is expected to be in United's squad to face Debrecen as United look to qualify for the Champions League Group Stages.

Many fans are expected to boycott the game to protest about Malcolm Glazer's takeover.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]