Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane has leapt to the defence of his Manchester United colleagues after the champions' backline made their worst start to a campaign in six years. Alex Ferguson's team has leaked four goals in their first two games, with newly promoted sides Fulham and Blackburn managing to score two apiece against the suspect United defence.
Ferguson has been forthright in his criticism of his defence, but Keane refused to add to the detractors, claiming defending was the whole team's responsibility.
"I think a lot of people are making a lot of big issues because we have made a few mistakes at the back," Keane said on BBC GMR.
"It's no good pinpointing the back four or whatever, it's the whole team that defends. You have got to look at the positives and I think we've played fairly well. We've created plenty of chances and if we can eradicate the odd mistake at the back, I think we will be okay."
Meanwhile, Keane has been passed fit to face Aston Villa at Villa Park tomorrow, after undergoing a check on a bruised ankle.
Fellow Republic of Ireland colleague Denis Irwin will miss Sunday's game after suffering a groin injury in the midweek draw at Blackburn.
Filed by Tom Grealis
