JUST how poorly did United actually perform on their return to Champions League action this week? writes Chris Sudlow

Badly enough, claimed skipper Roy Keane.

And he added: "It shows that even the so-called lesser teams are a hard nut to be crack in this competition."

What surprised me was that anybody should think United were in for a stroll in the first place.

The pre-match thinking seemed to be: Secure six points from the two games against Nantes, qualify for the quarter-finals, then concentrate on the Premiership title race.

Fans, and pundits, seem to forget that any team which reaches the last 16 is capable of providing tough opposition.

Somewhat predictably the knives were out again for Laurent Blanc after Wednesday's last-gasp 1-1 draw in France.

He does sometimes give the impression of disinterest bordering on the negligent.

Whenever United score, the team ethic is for every outfield player to join in the scorer's celebrations.

Monsieur Blanc is often the last to arrive, if at all.

However, I have become a big fan in recent Premiership matches in particular. His timing of the interception and tackle can be immaculate.

But with Wes Brown and Ronny Johnsen soon back in the running for a place, this particular problem could be easily solved.

One person who cannot be faulted - for commitment, enthusiasm, and far more skill than many credit him, is Gary Neville.

He was been simply outstanding at centre-back, cajoling his sometimes reluctant co-defenders into action.