Cascarino: Fergie should stop defending Keane

Former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino has slammed Sir Alex Ferguson for his part in the Roy Keane affair.

The Manchester United midfielder could face action from the Football Association over controversial comments in his autobiography.

Keane revealed in newspaper serialisations of the forthcoming 'Keane - The Autobiography' he had taken revenge on Manchester City's Alf Inge Haaland with a high tackle.

The Old Trafford captain has also criticised Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and his predecessor Jack Charlton.

Cascarino is dismayed at Keane's actions. "People have lost a little bit of respect for him and that can be a problem," he told Radio Five Live.

"I can't believe Ferguson has not stepped in and said 'enough is enough' on the book story.

"He should have told him 'At the end of the day you are captain of Manchester United and we need the best out of you every week. Don't keep putting hurdles in front of us'.

"That's where I can't understand Ferguson - he has defended Roy.

"Mick McCarthy bent over backwards for Keane and I was witness to that. That actually made Roy worse.

"He actually went more anti-Mick as he thought he was licking up to him."

Keane's ghost-writer Eamonn Dunphy has attempted to shoulder some of the responsibility saying he had paraphrased Keane's views.

Cascarino believes there could be some truth in that. "I really believe Roy didn't read the story before it was released, " he said.

"I think it (the book) is Eamonn Dunphy through and through. He is well known in Ireland.

"Roy's given him a few interviews and let Eamonn get on with it and there has been an explosion.

"It always seems to be pro-Manchester United and anti-Ireland.

"Roy is a shrewd guy, he is not stupid by any means. But he has not gone and done what he should have done and that is go through the story with a fine toothcomb."

Cascarino says Keane got the timing wrong in coming out with an autobiography while still wearing United's colours.

"You don't do it while still playing as you are making yourself more enemies.

"It is hard enough playing the game and trying to get the results. He will have riled a lot of players."