Basel (Switzerland), Dec. 8 : Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson has lashed out at former captain Roy Keane after seeing his side consigned to a humiliating Champions League group-stage exit by Basel on Wednesday.
Manchester United''s 2-1 defeat at St Jakob Park meant that the club fell at the group phase for the first time in six years and prompted criticism from Keane, analysing the match for ITV, who said that United had "got what they deserved".
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Keane’s remarks drew a stinking rebuke from Ferguson, who was quick to point his finger at Keane''s own less than stellar managerial career.
"I don''t know why you bring up a TV critic," said Ferguson during a terse post-match press conference.
He added: "That''s nothing to do with it. Roy had an opportunity to prove himself as a manager too. It''s not an easy job. We''ve got young players."
Ferguson was also unable to hide his displeasure at the prospect of a Europa League campaign, despite it raising the possibility of a clash with Manchester City, who also went out of the Champions League on Wednesday.
United''s fans have taunted rivals Liverpool for having had to compete in Europe''s second-tier tournament in the past and Ferguson showed little enthusiasm for a competition that is sure to drain his squad''s resources.
"It''s not the best, but that''s our penalty for not qualifying tonight," Ferguson said.
Needing just a point to qualify, United started in assured fashion but they were rocked in the ninth minute when Basel skipper Marco Streller turned in the opener from Xherdan Shaqiri''s left-wing cross.
The visitors came close to an equaliser on several occasions, most notably when Basel defender Markus Steinhofer volleyed against his own crossbar, before Alexander Frei made the game safe with an 84th-minute header.
Phil Jones scrambled home for United with a minute to play but for once United''s injury-time onslaught proved fruitless.
Ferguson''s disappointment was compounded by a knee injury sustained by captain Nemanja Vidic that saw him stretchered off shortly before half-time. (ANI)
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