Sir Alex Ferguson has back-tracked from his insistence that Juan Sebastian Veron will start the new season with Manchester United.
Ferguson claimed nothing could be read into his decision to leave the Argentinian on the bench for the 3-1 win over Barcelona in Philadelphia. But when asked outright whether Veron would be part of the United squad when the English champions open the defence of their Premiership title against Bolton at Old Trafford on August 16, Ferguson replied: "I can't answer that." Old Trafford chief executive Peter Kenyon has confirmed United have received a bid from Chelsea for the 28-year-old but that offer is understood to be below the club's valuation of the player, who cost �28.1million from Lazio two seasons ago. Indications are that United would be willing to part with the player if Chelsea make an acceptable offer, particularly as Veron's agent Fernando Hildago continues to make public statements claiming the transfer is still on. Back on the field, Diego Forlan reminded Ferguson of his talent with a first-half brace against Barca, United's victory seeimg them close their four-match US tour with a 100 per cent record. After former United target Ronaldinho had set up the opener for Patrick Kluivert, Forlan turned the game on its head by levelling with a perfectly-executed diving header from Ryan Giggs' cross and then tapping home from close range after Nicky Butt's low centre had taken a kindly deflection of Philip Cocu. Ruud van Nistelrooy wrapped up the win with a fine solo effort late on, leaving Ferguson in contented mood. "Barcelona played some terrific stuff in the first 15 minutes of the match. Tactically they dominated the match and they gave us plenty of problems," he said. "It took us some time to get going but once we started to get behind them we controlled the match and really we should have scored more than we did." With 14 goals from four games, Ferguson can be pleased with his side's efforts as they head to Portugal for a friendly with Sporting Lisbon ahead of Sunday's FA Community Shield clash with Arsenal in Cardiff. ________________________________________________________________________ Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo! Messenger http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com/ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for Your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at Myinks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/sO0ANB/LIdGAA/ySSFAA/tsUolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
