Ferguson takes swipe at critical Keane

ALEX FERGUSON appeared to take a dig at his old captain Roy Keane for criticising his Manchester United squad.

Victory at Wolves on Saturday eased any pressure on the Red Devils. It gave him the opportunity of returning to the defence of his young players, heavily criticised by Keane, amongst others, in his assessment of the defeat in Switzerland.

“I don’t understand people doubting these players,” said Ferguson.

“(Danny) Welbeck, (Chris) Smalling and (Phil) Jones have played for their country.

“If they are not that good, why are England playing them?

“They are fantastic young players. They will be the foundation of our club for years.”

It expanded on a comment Ferguson made in his programme notes about criticism “from people we thought perhaps were on our side”.

“Though we may gnash our teeth, there is no use wailing about it.”

Ferguson is now hoping Wayne Rooney “goes on a spurt” over the congested Festive programme as United approach the New Year’s Day deadline their manager uses as the marker for how they will be challenging for the Premier League title in May.

He will hope for a favour from old rivals Chelsea, who meet leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Ferguson is trusting his depleted squad to drag United out of their disappointment, which will only truly be rammed home on Friday, when the draws for both the Champions League they are no longer part of, and the Europa League, which they are, will be made.

“It has been hard,” said Portugal winger Nani: “Normally we always go to the final stages of the Champions League.

“We used to pass easily through the group. This time was a bit disappointing.”