Sir Alex Ferguson hits back at Roy Keane comments on Manchester United Champions League exit
Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hit back at former skipper Roy Keane’s damning assessment of the Red Devils' Champions League exit at the hands of Basel.
Roy Keane lambasted his old club United in the wake of their 2-1 defeat to Basel in Switzerland on Wednesday night, which dumped them into the Europa League.
The controversial Irishman claimed it was "a reality check" for the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young, all of whom received substantial praise for their performances during Manchester United’s flying start to the season.
Clearly, Sir Alex Ferguson was unimpressed.
"He had an opportunity to prove himself as a manager too. It is a difficult job," said the Scot of Roy Keane.
Yet, on a night when they failed to find a suitable answer to goals from Marco Streller and Alexander Frei until Jones bagged a late consolation and also lost skipper Nemanja Vidic to a knee injury that may keep him out for quite a while, Ferguson has some big questions to answer.
Never has a lack of creativity in midfield looked more glaringly obvious.
Restored to a central striking role, Wayne Rooney was poor, and, with injuries and suspensions biting deep into his squad, United’s cover was not good enough.
Ferguson has recovered from worse situations before.
But the loss of up to £20million in revenue is a substantial blow to the balance sheet, while appearing in UEFA’s secondary, Thursday night competition, is what Patrice Evra even called "embarrassing".
"It is embarrassing to be in the Europa League," said the France defender.
"I play for Manchester United to play in the Champions League.
"I feel I will wake up and we will have qualified.
"But it is not a dream it is the reality. We should have woken up earlier in this competition. We deserve to be out."
Ferguson blamed the costly failure to hold on to a two-goal lead against Basel on Matchday Two as the chief cause of United’s dismal campaign.
"We were careless. We let ourselves down badly," he said.
"Now we have to deal with the disappointment.
"The whole club has used it as motivation many times.
"These young players will feel the disappointment tonight. They are going to have to cope with it and get on with their careers.
"It is a loss because it is the best tournament in the world. It is a marvellous tournament.
"Now we are in a competition I have never been in with Manchester United.
"It does mean Sundays right through and Thursday-Sunday matches. That has to be dealt with.
"That is our penalty for not qualifying tonight."
Roy Keane lambasted his old club United in the wake of their 2-1 defeat to Basel in Switzerland on Wednesday night, which dumped them into the Europa League.
The controversial Irishman claimed it was "a reality check" for the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young, all of whom received substantial praise for their performances during Manchester United’s flying start to the season.
Clearly, Sir Alex Ferguson was unimpressed.
Yet, on a night when they failed to find a suitable answer to goals from Marco Streller and Alexander Frei until Jones bagged a late consolation and also lost skipper Nemanja Vidic to a knee injury that may keep him out for quite a while, Ferguson has some big questions to answer.
Never has a lack of creativity in midfield looked more glaringly obvious.
Restored to a central striking role, Wayne Rooney was poor, and, with injuries and suspensions biting deep into his squad, United’s cover was not good enough.
Ferguson has recovered from worse situations before.
But the loss of up to £20million in revenue is a substantial blow to the balance sheet, while appearing in UEFA’s secondary, Thursday night competition, is what Patrice Evra even called "embarrassing".
"It is embarrassing to be in the Europa League," said the France defender.
"I play for Manchester United to play in the Champions League.
"I feel I will wake up and we will have qualified.
"But it is not a dream it is the reality. We should have woken up earlier in this competition. We deserve to be out."
Ferguson blamed the costly failure to hold on to a two-goal lead against Basel on Matchday Two as the chief cause of United’s dismal campaign.
"We were careless. We let ourselves down badly," he said.
"Now we have to deal with the disappointment.
"The whole club has used it as motivation many times.
"These young players will feel the disappointment tonight. They are going to have to cope with it and get on with their careers.
"It is a loss because it is the best tournament in the world. It is a marvellous tournament.
"Now we are in a competition I have never been in with Manchester United.
"It does mean Sundays right through and Thursday-Sunday matches. That has to be dealt with.
"That is our penalty for not qualifying tonight."
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