Keane warns rivals to expect a strong United challenge

MANCHESTER UNITED captain Roy Keane has warned their rivals to expect a strong challenge from the Old Trafford side in 2005.

The Red Devils have fallen short of their own high standards in the first half of the season, currently lying fourth in the Barclays Premiership, but nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

They have not been helped by injuries to key players, with main striker Ruud van Nistelrooy again sidelined with an Achilles problem and fellow forward Louis Saha out since November and not expected to return until next month.

However, Keane stressed that United were traditionally stronger post-Christmas and, having remained unbeaten in the Premiership for the best part of two months, he believes the best is yet to come - starting with the busy festive period. “Any top team are going to have periods when they are not playing as well as they can, but I feel that the last month or two we are getting stronger and stronger.

“We’re aware we are chasing three teams (Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton) now and we can’t afford any slip-ups. In the past it used to be Arsenal.

“I think it is an important second half of the season and if and when Chelsea slip up we are ready to pounce.

“We have got to focus on ourselves, keep playing well and keep scoring goals. There are a lot of points at stake and we have got four difficult matches coming up. If we manage to win those games we will see what happens.

“We have bought one or two good young players and hopefully they will get stronger in the new year.

“The foundations of the team and the club are rock solid. Where to judge it is on the football pitch and hopefully we can do that in some of the big games coming up.”

Keane also praised Chelsea for the football they were playing but wondered whether being in an unfamiliar position at the top of the table would work against them as the tension increases later in the season.

Meanwhile, David Beckham has ruled out working as a manager and instead wants to set up football schools when his playing career is over.

The England captain claims he has no plans to go into coaching when he eventually hangs up his boots.

Asked what he would do when he retires, Beckham said: “I am not interested in being a coach but I would like to have football schools - I have always wanted to do that since I went to the Bobby Charlton school.

“I am going to open one in London and one in LA,” said Beckham.

Beckham continued: “My second passion is charity work - I am an ambassador for UNICEF and it gives me great pride.

“Sport is a great escape route for the needy.”