Hope not lost for United, Keane says

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane said the Premier League title race is far from over, despite Manchester City’s derby win.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are tied at the top of the table with rivals City on 83 points, but remain in second place on goal difference. Keane said the current league-leaders’ upcoming clash against Newcastle could still have a part to play on the destination of the title.

“I think everyone needs to remember what a tough game Man City have got going up to Newcastle,” Keane told The Irish Times.

“There’s a bit of doom and gloom around United, but if they do lose the league it won’t be down to that result – it’s the Everton game that will come back to haunt them.”

Keane, 40, played for Manchester United between 1993 and 2005 but left under acrimonious circumstances and has since had a frosty relationship with Ferguson. However, he still looks out for his old club’s results and wants them to do well.

“I’d never write them off. United are still the best club, still have the best manager and the best supporters,” he continued.

“I was pretty upset the other night when they got beaten and I don’t like feeling that way because you have to try to move on.

“But I still have loyalty to United, no matter what way I finished with the club, or whatever my relationship with the manager might be.”