Premiership: United the only 'Juan' for Veron

Juan Sebastian Veron has once again dismissed talk of a move back to Lazio, claiming he intends to honour his four-year contract at Manchester United.

Veron, who joined United in a British record £28.1m (€46m) deal from Lazio in the summer, insists he is not hankering for a transfer back to the Serie A side.

The Argentina midfielder claims he is perfectly happy at Old Trafford and he has no desire to leave despite being quoted as saying he would like to play for Lazio again one day.

‘‘When I signed for the club it was on a four-year contract and when I came to Manchester, I never thought for a minute that it would be for less than that,’’ he said.

‘‘I don’t want to travel all the way here and just be here for one season. It was quite simply a lie. I’m very happy here.

‘‘I don’t intend to return to Lazio. It’s rubbish to say I’m out of sorts here or unhappy. It is definitely not the case.

‘‘I certainly see myself wearing the red shirt of Manchester United for a number of seasons to come.’’

Veron has failed to live up his world-class reputation during his first season at United.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, though, has been quick to dismiss any criticism of Veron and the 26-year-old claims he is content with his form.

‘‘I have done OK,’’ he said in the Manchester Evening News. ‘‘It’s true to say I have had some good games and some not so good games.

‘‘I think when you compare it to other signings at the start of the season, like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Laurent Blanc, it is easier for Ruud in that he is scoring goals and will stand out.

‘‘With myself and Laurent in defence or midfield, you are less likely to stand out.

‘‘But I still think we have both gelled quite well, especially when you consider, like Laurent, I was coming from a totally different style in Italy to play here. All things considered, I think we have settled in quite well.

‘‘I’m happy not just with my performance, but I have faced up to what has been a new challenge for me.’’

Veron hopes to continue in United’s midfield against Derby at Pride Park on Sunday as the champions go in search of a club record-equalling seventh successive away win in the league.

United go into the weekend’s action top of the Premier League and on course for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals and Veron is pleased with how the season is shaping up.

‘‘There is a huge amount of desire in this side to do well,’’ he said. ‘‘Not only do we have that desire, but we also have a squad with the ability to achieve something.

‘‘The new players and those who’ve been here for a number of years share that desire.

‘‘With a bit of luck that desire and ability will help us be successful both in Europe and the Premiership.’’

Paul Scholes may be available following his chest infection, and Nicky Butt his calf problem, while Roy Keane is a slight doubt with a knock.

Diego Forlan could make his full United debut if Ferguson goes ahead with his plan to rest van Nistelrooy.