Post Match press conference with Ferguson:
I got
rid of Keane for United's good, says Ferguson
But he refuses to give his version of events that led to captain's
sacking
Nov 23, 2005
The Straits Times
LONDON - TOO old. That is Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's
stated reason for getting rid of captain Roy Keane.
Ferguson finally broke his silence on Keane's sudden exit last
Friday.
United's position on Keane's departure had until then been simply
that it was by 'mutual consent'. Ferguson's statement now
apparently confirms that the 34-year-old was sacked because he had
become a liability, The Mirror reported yesterday.
'Players do get older, and that's the horrible part when you've
been the manager at this club for a long time,' Ferguson was quoted
as saying.
'It's always sad when a player departs the scene of his triumphs,
but football doesn't stand still. We parted company in a decision
we considered in the best interests of club and player.
'You see your great players get older and you have to make changes
quicker than other clubs, because the demands of our club are so
great.
'So when we make moves, it's not for any other reason than to get
better and keep this club at the top.
'We've been trying for the last couple of years to build a new
team, and I think there's plenty of evidence of that. We won the
Champions League in 1999, but you know that can't last
forever.'
Ferguson, however, admitted that United may pay a price for getting
rid of Keane seven months before his contract expired.
'The teams who have won the European Cup were all experienced, with
an average age of 28 to 30. You can't say that about our (current)
team. Five of our players were under 21 against Chelsea. It's
asking a lot to get consistency with such a raw team,' he
said.
It took much prodding from reporters before Ferguson talked about
Keane in the press conference ahead of yesterday's Champions League
match against Villarreal.
In his programme notes for the match, Ferguson devoted only two
paragraphs out of 800 words to the most successful captain in the
club's history.
In response to the first Keane-related question, Ferguson stiffened
in his seat and said tartly: 'Has that got anything to do with the
Villarreal game?'
He was pressed for his version of events surrounding Keane's
departure and replied: 'I've already given it.'
A proper explanation?
'Well, that's all you're going to get from me. Nice try,
though.'
It was put to him that millions of United fans were waiting to hear
his side of the story.
He replied: 'I am sure they are interested. I'm interested,
too.'
It seems Ferguson would be only too happy to never hear Keane's
name again.
Some obvious animosity between the two at Keano's departure? How
sad that the pride of the coach was allowed to win the day over the
inescapable truth of Keane's rebuke of his teammate's poor
committment and a select money-greedy players.
