Why Man Utd need Veron

Veron: An integral part of Lazio's double-winning side

BBC Sport Online's Nada Grkinic looks at why Manchester United are prepared to break the bank and sign one of Europe's finest midfielders, Juan Sebastian Veron.

Roy Keane's comments after Manchester United's exit from the Champions League that some of his team-mates were simply not good enough to compete at the highest level have clearly left their mark.

To compete with Europe's best, you need the continent's finest and in breaking the British transfer record by agreeing to sign Juan Sebastian Veron from Lazio for £28.1m that is exactly what Sir Alex Ferguson has got.

Known as the "little witch", the Argentine midfielder has already cast his spell on Sir Alex as the United boss sets about strengthening his squad for what he hopes will be a trophy-laden final season in charge.

Epitome of modern midfielder

And the Old Trafford faithful can expect to be mesmerised by Veron, who will be able to offer a little of everything that United's impressive midfield four have been displaying over the past couple of seasons.

Veron has football coursing through his veins. His father excelled as a striker and was part of the Estudiantes de la Plata side that won the Copa Libertadores three times in the 1960s.

Eriksson factor

The 26-year-old playmaker followed in his father's footsteps, beginning his career at Estudiantes before moving to Boca Juniors and then to Italian shores.

He represents the modern era of midfielders, equally at home tracking back or instigating attacks from deep in his own half.

These qualities - in addition to his superb movement, ability to use both feet and physical presence - brought him to the attention of then Sampdoria coach Sven Goran Eriksson.

  Juan Veron factfile

1975: Born Buenos Aires, Argentina.

1994: Joins Estudiantes de la Plata.

1996: Switches to Boca Juniors then moves to Serie A side Sampdoria.

1998: Parma sign Veron for £13m.

1999: Links up former coach Sven Goran Eriksson at Lazio for £20m.

2000: Part of Lazio's double-winning side.

2001: Embroiled in passport scandal for which he blames Lazio.

Veron spent two seasons at Sampdoria before securing a £13m move to Parma with whom he won the Uefa Cup in his one season at the club.

The Argentine was soon reunited with Eriksson - this time at Lazio - in a move that cost the Rome club £20m.

But Lazio reaped the rewards of their huge investment with Veron playing an integral part in Eriksson's double-winning side in the 1999/2000 season.

The midfielder is also a vital player in the Argentine national team, with former coach Carlos Bilardo describing him as the epitome of the modern footballer: "A technical player, tall with a good footballing brain."

Argentina's current boss Marcelo Biesla knows Veron's worth too, putting the player in charge of any dead-ball situations.

Veron vision

His precision equals that of David Beckham and his shot the ferocity of anything Paul Scholes can muster.

Veron's vision to pick out team-mates and ability to execute 40-yard cross-field passes will undoubtedly take some of the pressure off Beckham, United's most consistent supplier of crosses.

He will offer support to the England captain, but will also compete against him, Scholes, Keane, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt for a place in one of Europe's top midfield quartets.

Veron can use both feet to great effect

Veron is a master at keeping possession, while generous in his distribution. Not goal shy, he weighs in with his fair share of winners.

In many ways, Veron - who sports a tatoo of Che Guevara - is the complete midfielder, used to performing on the biggest stages.

He will not be overawed by the Theatre of Dreams or affected by the weight of expectation that goes with such a massive price tag.

United have shown they have the financial clout - they smashed the British transfer record when they signed Ruud van Nistelrooy for £19m.

Now Veron looks like he wants to prove he is the genuine article - and be at the fore of any future revolution.