Keane not expecting the red carpet treatment

Posted on 30th August 2007

Sunderland Roy Keane is playing down the return to Manchester United this weekend. Keane takes his Sunderland side to Old Trafford and said “I am not expecting hugs and kisses.” The hype surrounding the match is of little interest to the Sunderland boss who is focused on trying to avoid a fourth successive defeat.

“I’m not expecting hugs and kisses. Alex Ferguson will want to beat me and Sunderland as much as anyone else,” he said. “They will be going at us from the first minute, trying to get points. There won’t be a red carpet rolled out for me. People say you have to keep it tight for the first 20 minutes in games like this - try the first 90! It might be longer if we go by Alex Ferguson's stop-watch. I’m glad to be going back, I’m glad to be taking Sunderland there and I’m glad some of my players will get the chance to play at a great stadium against a very, very good team. We will try to approach it in the same way as any other game.”

Meanwhile Ian Harte is still waiting to receive international clearance from Spain. Sunderland had hoped Harte, who signed for the club yesterday, would be given the go-ahead to feature in a reserve team game. But the clearance has not come through from the Spanish FA who hold the registration as Harte last played for Valencia-based Levante.

Earlier Sunderland news

Higginbotham closing in on Cats move
Blackwell relishes result over Black Cats
Sunderland to make few changes
Sunderland target happy to stay put
Edwards claiming deflected goal
Keane delighted with window business
Keane surprised but give credit to Palace
Simpson wants to be involved at Palace
Caldwell ready for move to Burnley
Darren Ward gets new Sunderland deal
Edwards worries about Sunderland’s defense
Keane continues to keep plans on hold
Keane faces selection problem
Hysen not settling for the play-offs
Sunderland boosted with pair’s return to action