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Ferdinand accepts Keane criticism

08/11/2005

Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has admitted that club skipper Roy Keane was right to criticise several under-performing team-mates, including himself, last week.

Ferdinand was one of the major stars attacked by Keane in an interview on MUTV, the club's official TV channel, following a sustained period of inconsistency from the defender.

But speaking to the Sun, Ferdinand admits that he himself has been disappointed by his own performances and that Keane's criticism is fully justified.

"Roy obviously said what he felt but what he said about me is nothing that I didn't think myself," Ferdinand said.

"I’m my own fiercest critic. He has every right to say what he did - he’s the skipper."

Ferdinand was slated for his efforts during United's 4-1 hammering at the hands of Middlesbrough last week and was allegedly singled out by Keane for this game in particular.

"He talked about my position for the two goals [in the defeat at Middlesbrough] and he was right," Ferdinand added.

"He was absolutely spot on with his comments. Nobody would argue with them."

Despite Keane's official comments about Ferdinand remaining unreleased, the fiery Irish midfielder has been quoted as saying: "Just because you are paid £120,000-a-week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham, you think you are a superstar.

"The younger players have been let down by some of the more experienced players. They are not leading. There is a shortage of characters in the team. It seems to be in this club that you have to play badly to be rewarded. Maybe that is what I should do when I come back - play badly."

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