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  -   NEWS
Thursday, August 15, 2002
Keane refuses to scapegoat Neville

Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has refused to scapegoat any individuals after his side's shock Champions League qualifying defeat in Hungary.

Phil Neville
Neville: Costly slip but collective responsibilty, says Keane
(MichaelSteele/Allsport)
The finger of blame for Bela Koplarovic's stunning late strike has been pointed at Phil Neville, who failed to cut out Balasz Molnar's floated free-kick.

But Keane, who in his controversial autobiography has accused some of his team-mates of losing their focus insisted the entire squad bore collective responsibility for the defeat, which leaves United's Champions League hopes in jeopardy

'It was a soft goal to give away,' admitted the fiery Irishman.

'We had possession just before the free-kick and then he just hit a long ball. It was a bad goal but we are all in this together and we must make sure we put it right in a couple of weeks.'

Wes Brown picked up an ankle injury which will definitely rule him out of Saturday's Premier League opener against West Brom and probably a few weeks beyond.

And David Beckham also sustained bumps and bruises after being the victim of a concerted physical assault from the Hungarian minnows, while Ryan Giggs, switched to a more forward role early in the game, has an ankle injury.

Despite these woes, Keane remains positive about United's chances of progressing.

'I can't imagine us not qualifying and if we play well on the night I think we will win,' said Keane.

'But it is going to be a hard game. They will come to Old Trafford confident they can get a result and if we give a goal away it will give us an even bigger mountain to climb.

'I don't believe we deserved to lose last night but sometimes you don't get the luck you think you deserve.

'We were a bit sluggish in the first half but the second was a lot better. At least we have a second chance.'

'The spirits are good, so now we have to concentrate on Saturday,' he said.

'We are professionals and we need to bounce back, get a decent performance in against West Brom and get our league campaign off to a good start.'

 

Man Utd
Club Page

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