United may stick with Keane at back

13 April 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson is considering continuing with Roy Keane at centre-half after the Manchester United captain made a valuable contribution there in last night's 2-1 win at Dinamo Bucharest in a Champions League qualifier.

United, who are without suspended Rio Ferdinand and new signing Gabriel Heinze, start their Premiership campaign against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Ferguson had sprung a surprise in his formation by playing Keane at the back to shore up United's fragile defence, with John O'Shea taking on the holding role in midfield.

The United manager added: "Roy's contribution was about his experience and to give confidence to those around him. That was the reason I played him there.

"I felt we still needed a positive presence in midfield and apart from providing that, O'Shea did very, very well on the ball for us." Ferguson also praised new signings Alan Smith and Liam Miller after their debuts in United's battling victory in Romania.

Smith was a thorn in the side of Dinamo for the whole 90 minutes and was unlucky not to score himself - his best effort ricocheted off the inside of a post - while Miller came off the bench and made an immediate impact to help secure United's winner.

Ferguson said: "I think that since Alan Smith walked through the door at Old Trafford he has been absolutely sensational.

"He was a real handful for the Dinamo defenders. He made a great contribution and has been a tremendous signing for us."

Miller, the 23-year-old who moved from Celtic in the summer, was also picked out for praise by the United boss after his low, driven cross was turned into his own net by Angelo Alistar. Ferguson added: "We were keen to have Miller involved and we brought him on when Darren Fletcher started to tire. He showed great assurance and confidence and did really well. He was a bonus for us."

United had to come back from a goal down after Quinton Fortune knocked the ball into his own net trying to clear an Ionel Danciulescu shot.

It was not until Ryan Giggs equalised with a breakaway goal seven minutes before half-time that United settled.

Ferguson said: "You have to be pleased to win away in Europe. After a bad start for us it was very pleasing to recover and go on and win this match.

"We knew they were a good team and we always had to be alive and alert. I am pleased with the team's positive performance and it gives us a great opportunity at Old Trafford. The last thing we wanted was to give away an early goal but we have been through it before and the most important thing was not to panic."

Dinamo coach Ioan Andone conceded that his side's chances in the second leg in a fortnight are now very slender.

He said: "In the second half United dominated the match. They created more opportunities, hit the post and we know it will be very difficult for us at Old Trafford."

Ferguson also played down the impact of a bomb scare at United's team hotel on the morning of the game.

He added: "Apparently there was a phone call to the hotel saying there was a bomb but obviously it was a crank.

"The police searched all the rooms but it was nine o'clock so it was not a problem - the players just had a slightly earlier breakfast than usual."

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David Jones (Footballer)

United may stick with Keane at back

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