LONDON: Inspirational Manchester United captain Roy Keane was happy with his side's 2-1 win at Newcastle United on Saturday, though he hinted that the champions could have won by a bigger margin.

Keane, the outstanding player on the pitch and architect of both his team's goals, told Sky Sports: "We could have punished them more, but they're a good team so we're happy with the win."

United, though, had the edge throughout the second half and Keane said that having manager Alex Ferguson sent from the touchline by referee Uriah Rennie did not really disturb their rhythm.

Asked if it hindered the team, he replied: "Well judging by the result, no. We're not sure what went on there, but the team got on with it, we knew what jobs we had to do and just stayed focused."

Ferguson was sent from the dugout for swearing at officials after a foul by Andy O'Brien on Ryan Giggs could have merited a sending-off.

The manager was not happy, but matches are won on the pitch, which is where striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy did what he does best, scoring vital goals.

He cancelled out Alan Shearer's opener after 51 minutes with a stunning turn and shot - his 50th league goal for United and a 10th successive league match with a goal for the Dutchman, who equalled the record for England's top division set by Liverpool's John Aldridge in 1987.

"He's (Van Nistelrooy) not bad, you know," Keane said. "He missed a few before his goal, but as all top strikers do, he keeps getting into position and we're always confident Ruud will get us a goal or two."

Newcastle manager Bobby Robson was left to rue his side's errors. "Costly mistakes have cost us the match," he told the club's official website. "Van Nistelrooy turned into space that you could have got a double-decker bus into for the first goal and then (Paul) Scholes has been left to run from midfield for the second goal."

Agencies via Xinhua

(China Daily 08/25/2003 page8)