RONNIE NEEDS HIS HEAD TESTED

Last updated : 27 July 2003 By Editor

"It is a hard decision for any footballer. But to me Manchester United is the only choice and that's above any other club in the world.

"The Ronaldinhos of the world are the players who excite the fans," added Keane.

"It is no different for the players because when you do get a new player, it does lift your team again - especially a player who has got a bit of magic and excites the team.

"The manager has tried to buy one or two players and I think that it is always important to get the quality players in to the squad, but unless the players want to come here, then it is going to be hard.

"I am sure the manager is still looking for players. He has already bought one or two and we are looking forward to them settling in and will see how it goes.

"You need maybe 20-odd players in your squad, especially if you want to do well in all competitions. Our priorities will have to be the Champions League and the Premiership and we will need all the players we can get.

And on the tour:


"The atmosphere in the squad over the last six months of the season has been as good as I have known it and the one or two new players have settled in really well," he said.

"I suppose another couple of weeks and we will be at each other's throats! Three weeks is a long trip!

"We all went out for a nice meal and the atmosphere amongst the squad has been fantastic and that does play an important role."

And Rio goes on:

"We only need players who want to play here. If Ronaldinho doesn't want to join then good luck to him.

"He can go and play where he wants. It doesn't matter to us.

"I don't know how much you can read into his demands for helicopters and other stuff.

"In the end, only one thing really mattered — that he had the chance to play for Manchester United.

"I don't know why the transfer collapsed but if he had really wanted to come here, really wanted to become a Manchester United player and really wanted to wear the red shirt then he would have done.

"He, obviously, didn't want it enough."