Alex Ferguson puts down Roy Keane for honest appraisal of Man Utd

Though Alex Ferguson smiled and strolled out of a press conference after saying "Struggling? Are you serious? We're not struggling" just two short weeks ago, Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League with a 2-1 loss to Basel. After the match, Ferguson wasn't feeling so smiley, but he was ready to snap at any criticism. Even if it came from one of his former players.

From the AFP:

United's 2-1 defeat at St Jakob-Park meant they fell at the group phase for the first time in six years and prompted criticism from [Roy] Keane, analysing the match for ITV, who said that United had "got what they deserved".

His 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.

"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."

Burn! Also, it's funny how Ferguson says, "That's nothing to do with it" just before saying something that has nothing to do with anything.

This isn't anything new between these two, though. Keane's outspoken nature has angered Ferguson! before< /a> and ultimately played a part in Keane leaving Man United in 2005. Still, with that jibe about Keane's stints with Sunderland and Ipswich Town, Ferguson might want to let someone else open any holiday gifts from Roy this year.

Photo: Getty