Keane says Champions League win blunted United

Roy Keane has taken another swipe at his Manchester United team-mates, claiming they lost their edge in Europe after winning …

Roy Keane has taken another swipe at his Manchester United team-mates, claiming they lost their edge in Europe after winning the Champions League in 1999.

United have suffered two disappointing quarter-final exits since that glorious night in Barcelona and their outspoken captain feels this is because the players have relaxed too much.

Keane, who missed that famous win over Bayern Munich through suspension, feels United have been dwelling on the past and that they must forget about 1999.

"I think it's important that we forget about '99," he said. "I think that's been the problem for the last couple of years.

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"I think people have relaxed too much in Europe because of getting to the pinnacle in '99.

"I felt after '99 we just lost our edge a little bit in Europe. I think it's important we look to the future."

Keane was vehement in his criticism of the team following's last season's disappointing campaign and suggested the side needed rebuilding.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson responded by bringing in Juan Sebastian Veron, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Laurent Blanc and Diego Forlan and Keane claims this has restored the team's edge.

"We've gone out and bought a few players and I feel that edge is back this year," he said on MUTV.

"Fingers crossed we can win it this year. We've disappointed in the last couple of years in Europe and this is our chance to put it right this year."

PA