ROY THROWS DOWN CHALLENGE

Last updated : 09 August 2002 By newshound
Roy Keane has spoken about last seasons problems and why buying Rio is
the right thing.

'Last season still hurts,' he admitted.

'Arsenal and Liverpool passed us by last year. They had that bit of hunger we
lacked, which is why we didn't win anything.

'We had one or two problems in central defence and had eight or nine
different partnerships over the course of the season, which is too much really.

'That is why the manager has brought in Rio Ferdinand, although it is easy to
be critical of one area. We attack and defend as a team, so you have to look
at the whole unit rather than just one part.

'The trip just gone has been a good opportunity for Rio to get to know the lads
and some of the younger guys have been given a chance as well, which the
manager always likes to do.'

He then went on to say that United must beat Zala in the Champions League
qualifier.

"This club must be in the Champions League"

"The lads are ready for it and we know we won't be getting any second
chances. We need to produce next week and hopefully we will do that."