SIR Alex Ferguson started a potential club versus country row with Sven-Goran Eriksson last night when he withdrew David Beckham from the England squad.

The Manchester United manager revealed that England captain Beckham, who helped Manchester United beat Middlesbrough 1-0, would miss Saturday's friendly with Portugal with a calf injury.

Ferguson said: "David has had a calf problem all week. He did well to play against Middlesbrough but we've had to withdraw him from the England squad.

"To be honest, David will struggle to be fit for next Wednesday's game against Bolton, never mind Saturday."

Eriksson was last night's game but left Old Trafford with around ten minutes remaining. Beckham was substituted a minute from time.

Steve McClaren, who is part of Eriksson's coaching team, refused to comment about the Beckham situation but he will link up with England still feeling aggrieved at the nature of Boro's defeat.

A controversial first-half penalty from Ruud van Nistelrooy, awarded after the Dutchman fell to the floor after clashing with Ugo Ehiogu, separated the sides.

Middlesbrough manager McClaren said: "I didn't think it was a penalty. Innocuous challenges like that happen across the pitch throughout the 90 minutes and don't get punished. It was a harsh decision.

"It wasn't blatant; it wasn't a real pull back. There are numerous pulls and tugs at corners and free-kicks, but we suffered because of that. To lose to a goal like that is very disappointing."

Ferguson, McClaren's erstwhile Old Trafford superior, insisted referee Mike Riley was correct to award the 28th-minute penalty.

He said: "If Ehiogu hadn't pulled Ruud, he wouldn't have lost his balance, and I would expect Ruud to score from that position. There was enough contact to knock him off balance."

McClaren bestowed praise upon his players after they worked hard but were unable to find an equaliser at what is traditionally a happy hunting ground for Boro.

He said: "We had a fantastic attitude throughout the game and we finished very strongly. Usually, away teams are under siege in the final 20 minutes here, but this time it was United who were hanging on.

"The only thing we can really rue is that we lacked that little bit of quality in the penalty area. You don't get many opportunities here, and last season we took one and held on.

"On another day, we might have got a goal, but overall I thought we played really well. We were composed and passed it well, and put them under a lot of pressure at the end."

Alen Boksic, who missed last night's game with a thigh strain, is likely to sit out Croatia's Euro 2004 qualifier at home to Estonia on Saturday.

McClaren added: "Alen's injured and he can't play. We're in discussion with the Croatian FA and will talk to them in the morning."

l Brian Clough has urged Sir Alex Ferguson to use his authority to curb the excesses of shamed skipper Roy Keane.

''It is reaching crisis point now,'' admitted Clough. "Roy is recognised as one of the best players in the world and Alex has to say 'I'm sorry, you are damaging my reputation as a manager, you have to curtail this temper because I am suffering from it as well as you'.'