Champions League: Euro win blunted us, says Keane

Roy Keane has taken another swipe at his Manchester United team-mates, claiming they lost their edge in Europe after winning the Champions League.

Roy Keane has taken another swipe at his Manchester United team-mates, claiming they lost their edge in Europe after winning the Champions League.

United have suffered two quarter-final exits since that night in Barcelona in 1999 - and their outspoken captain feels this is because the players have relaxed too much.

Keane, who missed the win over Bayern Munich through suspension, feels United have been dwelling on the past.

"I think it's important that we forget about '99," he said.

"I think that's been the problem for the last couple of years. I think people have relaxed too much in Europe because of getting to the pinnacle in '99.

"I felt after '99 we just lost our edge a little bit in Europe. I think it's important we look to the future."

Keane was vehement in his criticism of the team following's last season's disappointing campaign and suggested the side needed rebuilding.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson responded by bringing in Juan Sebastian Veron, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Laurent Blanc and Diego Forlan, and Keane claims this has restored the team's edge.

"We've gone out and bought a few players and I feel that edge is back this year," he said.

"Fingers crossed we can win it this year. We've disappointed in the last couple of years in Europe and this is our chance to put it right this year."

More in this section

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited