Stam insists he has no vendetta with United

John Philips

Stam played a key role as United won the treble in 1999, but was then sold to Lazio with Ferguson insisting it was the right time to cash in on the former Dutch international.

However, Stam is now set to take on his former employers when Milan meet United in the Champions League first knockout round the first leg of which takes place on February 23.

"It's true that Ferguson released me to Lazio but I have no personal vendetta," the 32-year-old said.

"I only want to show I am a top player and, quite honestly, my only interest is to do well for Milan."

Stam is fighting for fitness after an ankle operation but he insists he will be in peak condition for the Old Trafford clash.

Stam, who joined Milan in the summer from Lazio, has been criticised by the Italian press after his recent mediocre performances for the Rossoneri. His return to action coincided with a dip in form by Carlo Ancelotti's men.

They suffered back-to-back league defeats to Livorno and Bologna and Stam's rusty return carried over into last Sunday's game with Lazio, when he conceded a penalty. His mistake was camouflaged by winning goals from Andriy Shevchenko and Hernan Crespo but the Dutch stopper was unrepentant after featuring in an unfamiliar right-back role.

"I read that on Sunday I played a bad game against Lazio but I disagree," said Stam.

Milan are among the favourites to win the Champions League but Stam is aware United will present a stiff test.

"It won't be easy against them but we will go for it. Manchester are a great team and they have so many champions," he said.