Yet, in truth, what was deemed by Old Trafford regulars as his most influential display of the season was notable for rather more than his hostility to those within limb-lunging range.It was Ferguson's suggestion, before the start of this season, that he should "lighten up", particularly with regard to his approach towards United's younger players. Frankly, Keane would be about as likely to oblige as Peter Mandelson would if receiving the same request from Tony Blair. Keane simply prefers to tread the dark side.Anyway, one man's rollicking is another man's "encouragement", as Keane prefers to allude to his glowering growls of disapproval at his team-mates. That said, there is a more mature, "relaxed" approach (his word), which in many ways has enhanced his contribution.When Ferguson analyses the defining moments in his 18-year career, he will consider the acquisition of Keane among the most crucial.
Arguably - and there will be vociferous debate from the direction of Highbury and Anfield - he remains the master of the breed of defensive midfielder blessed with sufficient pace and vision to complement the forward task force.Certainly, Keane is not inclined to welcome any rivals intent on usurping his kingdom, most notably Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard, the former displaying once again that deficiency which led to him being dismissed for the 10th time at PSV Eindhoven, the latter presumably still pondering the wisdom of re-committing himself to Liverpool in the summer."Put me up against any of those players and I will win some battles and lose some That's football. Nor does he appear particularly thrilled by the idea of leading an expedition to the United States at the end of this season, before the top clubs set off on their own lucrative summer tours.Speaking at the headquarters of one of England's main sponsors, Nationwide, at the same time as Brian Barwick and the railwayman-with-the-rucksack were being interviewed in Soho Square, he said: "Friendlies in August and in February are very important because they are before qualifying games. If you want to win the Champions' League, you have to be in very good form in March, April and May. English clubs have no winter break and are playing more football than any other country". Eriksson has already conceded reluctant defeat in his appeal for a winter break this season and next, but is encouraged by the agreement of Fifa's president Sepp Blatter that there must be a longer gap than usual between the end of the European club season and the start of the World Cup in Munich on 9 June 2006.Critics of "meaningless friendlies" may be surprised to learn that he regards those played at certain times of year - like November - as counter-productive, and would happily have sent out a reserve team against Spain in Madrid were it not for the anticipated barrage of criticism. What he will repeatedly emphasise, as they complete what should now be the formality of qualifying next year, is the desirability of arriving fit, relaxed and confident.Similarly, he feels that "English clubs pay the same price as the national team at the end of the season. Yours until 2008 (possibly), Sven. Nothing Sven Goran Eriksson has seen in five months since the usual quarter-final departure from a major tournament last June - not even "the worst game since I came to England" against Spain two weeks ago - has changed his belief that the country possesses a talented enough blend of young and experienced footballers to make an impact at the next World Cup.
A stint on the bench, with Michael Owen given the armband, would provide the salutory lesson that representing one's country is not a sinecure. Where this England coach is concerned, though, perhaps we should not hold our breath.It is not over just because the thin lady has stopped singing.. Memo From: Head Coach To: Brian Barwick, chief executive, Football Association Re: Key to success of English national team and clubs Dear Brian, Fresher players, fewer friendlies please Yours until 2008 (possibly), Sven Memo From: Head Coach To: Brian Barwick, chief executive, Football Association Re: Key to success of English national team and clubs Dear Brian, Fresher players, fewer friendlies please. The Swede says he will be visiting Beckham in Spain before February's friendly against Holland.With what in mind, exactly? In his quaint way, Eriksson probably imagines that it will suffice to offer encouragement, when it is clear to the majority of us that a player who has rarely performed with distinction for England since that World Cup qualifier against Greece at Old Trafford, actually requires not a shoulder, but "a rest" from both roles.At the Bernabeu, Beckham epitomised the attitude of too many England players who believe they should have a divine access to selection, and in his case, who continues to be picked, apparently on the basis of his celebrity status.Even the best require a shock to the system now and again.
To lose both the characters responsible for the renewal of those Pompey chimes really would dismay the Fratton Park following.Which is why, after a series of skirmishes which have benefited neither club, nor outgoing manager, Mandaric's version of peace deserves a chance.Sven in search of lost chordSo, the Beckham career is over, it was revealed last week. The only regret was that it was the chanteuse, Mrs B, who was hanging up the microphone, and David was nothanding over the England armband, and possibly even the No 7 shirt. The racism row in the wake of England's defeat in Spain may have distracted many from the poverty of his performance as a captain and a player But it should not have diverted Sven Goran Eriksson's eyes Apparently it didn't. That catch-all role has gradually been transformed, particularly after the various "bung" accusations, with financial affairs handled by the chief executive Men like Mandaric want to devolve powers a stage further. They should be applauded for doing so; though, knowing this professional sport as we do, the suspicion is that it is derision they will hear first.What response would that induce from Mandaric? "Sometimes I wish I could go, like Harry," he declared ominously. For as much as we acknowledge the achievements of one of our best-run clubs, Middlesbrough, in producing Stewart Downing, Anthony McMahon and Stuart Parnaby, and acclaim Aston Villa, whose youth development brought forth Gareth Barry, Jlloyd Samuel and Darius Vassell, it should be borne in mind that there are no fewer than seven Premiership clubs without a former trainee in their regular line-ups. They include Portsmouth.Hence Mandaric's insistence on restructuring.