Beattie inspired by United stars

JAMES BEATTIE gave Alex Ferguson another reason to be miserable by following the example of two of the Scotsman’s greatest signings, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roy Keane.

The England striker headed a close-range winner in the dying minutes at St Mary's on Sunday, continuing the Saints' unbeaten start to the Barclaycard Premiership and capping a rotten week for Ferguson.

The Manchester United manager was hit by an FA charge for his tantrum on the St James' Park sidelines. He then had to endure torment by tabloid as David Beckham's autobiography, serialised in the Sun and News of the World, exposed the details of the England captain's fall-out with Ferguson.

And the Old Trafford chief watched as his 100% start to the Premiership campaign was knocked down by Beattie's second goal of the season. And, to add insult to injury, Beattie who was called into the England squad for the Euro 2004 qualifiers has revealed he used the perspiration of van Nistelrooy and Keane as his inspiration.

Beattie said: "The gaffer has been saying to me all week just to look at van Nistelrooy and Keane and how hard they work. He told me I wasn't as good a player, so I would have to do the same! And I agree van Nistelrooy is maybe the best in the world.

"The work-rate is an asset I feel I have developed. Going back and clearing the balls and defending is vital. I try to contribute more than just goals."

Beattie's hard running was matched by the rest of the Saints' line-up who closed down a United side which looked unsettled from the off with Kleberson in an unfamiliar role on the right and Eric Djemba-Djemba uncertain alongside Keane.

Beattie added: "We stuck to the game plan. The gaffer had said we must defend from the front, stick to them and try to make them play long balls. He just told us to go out and play how you have been taught to play and it worked well.

"We take the positives from being unbeaten and to beat the champions is fantastic. It is a great achievement and a great feeling. I think everyone must get credit for the result. We defended magnificently and the praise must be spread around the whole team.

"I firmly believe in the fitness of the lads, and I knew we would come on strong at the end. For the goal it was a great ball in from Graeme (Le Saux) and from that range I'm lethal."

There was more bad news for Ferguson after the final whistle with Kleberson's dislocated shoulder adding to United's midfield woes following the loss of Paul Scholes for a month after a hernia operation.

The Brazilian was replaced by Cristiano Ronaldo after being carried off in the second half and the injury gives the United boss something else to consider as he contemplates an international break with title rivals Arsenal top of the table.