Chelsea await Veron answer
United manager Alex Ferguson has repeatedly rejected suggestions that Veron is on his way to Stamford Bridge, but Old Trafford chief executive Peter Kenyon has admitted the club are considering an offer for the Argentinian.
“There has now been an official offer from Chelsea for Veron and it is under review,” Kenyon said. “We should be delivering a reply to the bid by Wednesday.” Chelsea will want any deal sealed before Thursday’s Champions League deadline.
Veron, aged 28, cost Ferguson £28.1million from Lazio two years ago. He was in top form in his most recent outing for United as Ferguson’s side crushed Juventus 4-1 in a pre-season friendly in New York.
Veron collected man-of-the-match honours with two outstanding assists which led to goals for Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Ferguson has hailed Manchester United’s pre-season trip to America as the best ever, but it will be August 16 before he discovers if there is a price to pay.
From their week at Nike’s magnificent training base in Portland to the superb facilities offered by the Philadelphia Eagles over the last three days, United’s players have been able to prepare for the defence of their Premiership crown in the finest surroundings and with all the modern technology they require. And, unlike their other long-haul journeys to the Far East, they have been able to do so without being besieged every time they step out of their hotel room.
With results going their way as well, Ferguson has every reason to be confident his side will fire out of the starting blocks when they open another draining domestic campaign by entertaining Bolton in a fortnight.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the way this tour has gone,” said Ferguson. “I would say it is the best pre-season we have had. It is much easier for the players because it is English speaking and they don’t have the emotional drain of supporters hanging round the hotel all the time. “It has allowed us to do our proper preparations for the season and we have come out of the trip knowing our form is good and our fitness is fantastic.
After completing their US-based programme against Barcelona at Lincoln Financial Fields last night, United’s party head to Portugal where they will take on Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.
The small matter of a psychologically important Community Shield collision with Arsenal in Cardiff on August 10 is followed four days later by a short trip to Stoke, wrapping up their pre-season work.
Then Ferguson will be left with the tricky problem of naming a side to face the Trotters, who have emerged triumphant on their last two visits to Old Trafford.
If a £6 million deal for Ajax’s Tunisian full-back Trabelsi can be concluded within the next fortnight to ease Ferguson’s defensive headaches, the two major selection posers will concern the goalkeeping position and central midfield.
Ferguson has also admitted his central midfield options are numerous, although, if fit, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes are certain starters, while Juan Sebastian Veron should also play a part provided he is still at the club.
Meanwhile Ronaldinho claims he was left with a “broken heart” when his move to Manchester United failed to materialise. Ronaldinho has admitted a move to Old Trafford would have been his first choice but claims that Barca showed more interest in concluding a deal. “United were definitely my first choice. Originally they were very polite, but they left a lot of questions unanswered. But what really disappoints me is I was ready and extremely close to being the first Brazilian to play for them.”
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson laid the blame for the failure to agree a transfer on Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Roberto Assis.
“The only frustration we had was with his brother. We never even got the chance to sit down with the boy (Ronaldinho).”
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