Ferguson dismisses Keane rumours

You cannot travel if you are injured. There is nothing else to say Sir Alex Ferguson

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed claims that captain Roy Keane was axed from Manchester United's Far East tour because of disciplinary reasons.

Newspaper reports had alleged that Ferguson and the Republic of Ireland midfielder had a bust-up at United's recent training camp in Portugal.

But Keane's adviser Michael Kennedy said the 33-year-old was absent from the tour because of a hamstring injury.

And Ferguson said: "Roy Keane is injured, it is as simple as that."

Ferguson added: "You cannot travel if you are injured. There is nothing else to say."

Keane's adviser Kennedy said at the weekend: "He remained in Manchester to continue his treatment for a hamstring injury.

"Any disagreement he may have had with his manager is a private matter and will not be the subject of comment."

It had been alleged that Keane was annoyed over the fact that families were allowed to travel with the players to the training camp.

Reports suggested he was angry he had cut short a family holiday to attend the camp - only to find out it was a relatively informal affair.

The row shows no sign of abating despite Ferguson's denial.

In some of Monday's newspapers, it is claimed Keane will reject a new contract because of the alleged disagreement, while the Daily Express even suggests the Irishman will be stripped of the Old Trafford captaincy.

Monday's gossip column

However, The Times insists the pair will resolve any differences.

Throughout Keane's 12-year career at Manchester United, he has been an increasingly close confidant of Ferguson.

But the combative midfielder also has a history of voicing criticisms of the way training camps are set up.

He stormed out of the Republic of Ireland's camp ahead of the 2002 World Cup because he was unhappy with the way it was being run.

2002 flashback: Keane sent home after row

United began their tour on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Hong Kong and will travel to China for a match against Beijung Hyundai on Tuesday.

They then fly to Tokyo for two more games against Kashima Antlers on Thursday and Urawa Reds next Saturday.