Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at former captain Roy Keane after the Irishman criticised the club's younger players following their Champions League exit.

Keane had said that United's group stage defeat at the hands of FC Basel would act as a "reality check" for players such as Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Ashley Young.

However, Ferguson responded by focusing on the 40-year-old's track record in club management.

"Well, he's had opportunities to prove himself as a manager too," he told reporters.

The Red Devils will now enter the Europa League.