Defiant Fergie tells Veron: ignore media criticism

MANCHESTER UNITED will rally round Juan Sebastian Veron in the hope of bringing the best out of the Argentine midfielder next season, manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday.

Veron was heavily criticised by the media for his poor form last season and also endured a disappointing World Cup as pre-tournament favourites Argentina failed to make it beyond the group stages.

"Within the confines of the club we will continue to assure him and make sure it doesn't affect him," Ferguson said. "It is probably the first time in his life that he has been really criticised.