Fergie not in tears
2003-08-06 21:52
Manchester - Argentinian midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron's departure for Premiership rich kids Chelsea will not harm champions Manchester United's defence of their title, claimed Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson on Wednesday.
The Scot said despite the sales of David Beckham, and now 28-year-old Veron to Chelsea, United had more than enough cover in midfield.
Ferguson said that the offer from Chelsea was too good to turn down.
The United boss told MUTV his priority was to reinforce the defence - where he is expected to sign Tunisian fullback Hatem Trabelsi from Ajax and has been linked with a move for Barcelona's Carlos Puyol - and a striker.
"It's always difficult letting good players go but we are very, very well off in the midfield and the overall package made it too interesting for us not to take it," Ferguson said.
"We're trying to be sensible in a market that's had its fingers burnt throughout Europe.
"He was on a massive salary and it's worth a lot of money to us.
"We had a collection of central midfield players who made my life difficult enough as it is so when an offer came in for Seba we decided to take it."
Ferguson believes with proven internationals like Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Nicky Butt along with new signings Cameroon international Eric Djemba-Djemba and Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson he has enough class to compensate for the 52-times capped midfielder's exit.
Ferguson also said he was happy with the progress of youngsters Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson.
The Scot also paid tribute to Veron, despite him rarely living up to his nickname of the 'little witch' for United.
"He was a marvellous player, always wanted the ball, had very good skills and did a great job for us. We are very happy with him," said Ferguson, who often defended Veron against the critics.
- SAPA