Keane - Fergie out to top Kop

United boss backed to beat Reds' record

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 14th May 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United champions medal

Ferguson: Driven to succeed

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Roy Keane believes Sir Alex Ferguson is driven by a desire to write Liverpool out of the record books.

Ferguson led United to their 17th top-flight title at the weekend, just one shy of the Anfield outfit's record of 18.

If the Red Devils were to overcome Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final in Moscow on 21st May, it would be their third European Cup triumph, while Liverpool have lifted the trophy on five occasions.

Sunderland manager Keane, who was an integral part of Ferguson's midfield during his playing days and helped the club achieve a memorable Treble in 1999, feels his former boss has his sights set on their North West rivals' achievements.

Target

He told the Daily Mirror: "I think the manager said it himself, his target was to knock Liverpool off their perch.

"He's done that in terms of winning Leagues but I think, don't worry, he'll be wanting to win European Cups as well.

"So the thing is to catch up with Liverpool next. They've won it five times. They're the target that Alex Ferguson set at United when he first got the job. If they were to win it then it would be the third time they'd won the European Cup.

"Arsenal have never won it. Chelsea have never won it. It's very tough in Europe because you're competing against some very good teams.

"To win the European Cup you need that little bit of luck. I have to say that I think that United have lacked that over the years, with decisions going against the team.

"But this year they're in the final and they've got a hell of a chance."

Keane feels it is Ferguson's constant thirst for silverware which keeps him in the game at the very highest level, and knows that he expects the same from his players.

Motivated

He added: "What drives him on? Winning. What else is there? What else drives you on? It's winning. He has his teams playing some great stuff like Arsenal but they've got the balance about right.

"Why is the club motivated by winning in Europe? It's about being the best in England, then you want to be the best in Europe.

"For a club like United that should go without saying. That's what you're in the game for. If you're the manager you've got to be winning titles.

"It's always a good achievement but, when you're playing for United, winning league titles should be expected and not necessarily celebrated too much."