Keane story dismissed

Newspaper claims that Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane is being treated for depression and has sought help for alcohol-related problems were furiously denied by his club manager, Alex Ferguson, yesterday.

"I can only tell you what Roy Keane has told me and this story is not right," Ferguson said. On Saturday a newspaper website carried a story alleging that Keane had spent three days at the Priory clinic, a well-known centre for people suffering from drug and alcohol problems that has treated a number of celebrities.

The United manager also denied reports that Keane had admitted to him that he had attended a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The 28-year-old Keane is widely regarded as the most vital member of the United team. He is reported to earn £52,000 a week plus a £1 million annual bonus.

Ferguson has also insisted that David Beckham will remain at United as long as he is manager at Old Trafford - although there will be no negotiations over a new contract for the England midfielder until next summer.

Beckham's agent, Caroline McAteer, has revealed the 25-year-old is keen to pledge his future to the club where he is "living out his dream".

But Ferguson said: "The agreement when they signed their last contracts is that they'll negotiate again at the end of this season. I don't see a great problem. . . there is no reason to panic. Beckham will certainly be at Manchester United as long as I'm there."

Ferguson was also at pains to deflect any blame from new goalkeeper Fabien Barthez following United's 3-1 defeat in the final of Bayern Munich's Centenary Tournament.

The French goalkeeper, who cost £7.8 million from Monaco this summer, "wasn't at fault for any of the goals," said Ferguson.

Meanwhile, Ferguson is reported to have made an unsuccessful approach to Lazio for Chilean striker Marcelo Salas.

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Alan Kelly was discharged from St James's Hospital in Dublin yesterday after being detained overnight with suspected concussion.

Kelly sustained a head injury during Saturday's pre-season game at Richmond Park, where Blackburn Rovers beat St Patrick's Athletic 2-0.