Veron distances himself from United pals

Juan Sebastian Veron has added fuel to the fire already raging between England and Argentina ahead of Friday’s crunch World Cup clash.

The Manchester United midfielder insists he will not give a second thought for Old Trafford teammates David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt during the Group F encounter.

Veron said: ‘‘Everyone will now be going on about me playing against England, but I am not playing against England.

‘‘I am playing for my country, Argentina. I have no feelings for the English people.

‘‘Of course I know players in the England team. Some of them very well, because they play for my club.

‘‘But my concern is for my country. Our people back home will expect us to win.’’

Veron also went on to cast renewed doubts over his future at United after a disappointing first season in the Premiership following his move from Lazio.

He said: ‘‘At times I feel like I’ve been humiliated. I just wanted to show the Manchester United fans what I can do.

‘‘I would like to talk about my future but I don’t think this is the right time. Maybe after the World Cup.

‘‘There are some clubs in Italy interested in me. For now we will just have to wait and see,’’ quotes The Sun.

The build-up to Friday’s match between England and Argentina was yesterday inflamed by Celta Vigo keeper Pablo Cavallero.

The Argentina number one claimed his side will be seeking revenge for the Falklands War when the two teams meet in Sapporo.

He said: ‘‘Maybe you shouldn’t mix things like football and the war, but it’s really hard not to do it.

‘‘It is the match that any Argentine wants to play, especially if you lost friends or family in 1982.’’