May 31, 2002

Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron is hoping that the World Cup will provide him with the platform to prove his detractors wrong.

Veron struggled to justify his £28million price tag in his first season in England last term and concedes that he failed to find his top form on a consistent basis.

"It wasn't a great year at Manchester United," said Veron. "Not good, but not bad. Things can get better."

The former Lazio man was singled out for criticism in certain quarters of the press - much to manager Sir Alex Ferguson's dismay - as United ended their first season since 1998 without a trophy.

The Argentina international now hopes that this summer's showpiece will give him the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage in world football and, ultimately, end any lingering doubts over his ability at the highest level.

"Perhaps the World Cup can make a second start for me," he added. "But I am thinking only of Argentina now.

"The national team is far more important than I am."

The much-fancied Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign against Nigeria on Sunday.

Teamtalk