By David Hobbs
July 24 2005

Manchester United have refused to comment on reports claiming club captain Roy Keane and boss Sir Alex Ferguson were involved in a training ground bust-up during their pre-season preparations in Portugal.

Irishman Roy Keane was reported to have picked up a hamstring injury during the preparations and therefore missed the Red Devils' trip to Asia, where they recently beat the Hong Kong national side 2-0.

Families were allowed to travel with the team to the training camp in Portugal, a move that angered Keane who wished for a peaceful bonding session with his team-mates.

The 33-year-old is notorious for his bust-up with former Republic of Ireland national team coach Mick McCarthy while in Japan and South Korea, participating in the 2002 World Cup. Keane was unhappy at the way McCarthy approached the team's training and diet.

United continue their tour of Asia with a match in China against Beijung Hyundai on Tuesday then head to Japan.

Officials from Old Trafford have refused to comment on the situation.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]