Keegan sees tough times ahead for Newcastle (Getty)

Keegan watched his side collapse at home to Manchester United on Saturday and sees no let up in the quality of opposition over the weeks ahead.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Someone said to me 'You've had tough fixtures'.

"But Sunderland, Fulham, Blackburn next weekend are not easy fixtures. What I will say is you don't play teams like Manchester United every week."

I don't think the players gave up in any way, shape or form Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan

Meanwhile the former England boss refused to lay blame on his players despite the weekend's 5-1 loss to Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

"I don't think the players gave up in any way, shape or form. I think their effort was admirable considering how tough it was for them," he said.

"There was a stage in the second half that every time the ball ricocheted it went to a red shirt. That's how it is sometimes."