Keane edge missed in another sad surrender

Lille 1 Man Utd 0

Milenko Acimovic’s 37th-minute winner did not just leave United’s European aspirations hanging by a thread, and bring new owner Malcolm Glazer out into a cold sweat, it also raised serious doubts over Alex Ferguson’s motivational qualities.

In days gone by, United would have responded to the torture of the past seven days by ravaging opponents with skill, speed and spirit.