Veron lashes out at critics

Juan Sebastian Veron has accused his critics of deliberately targeting him because he is Argentinian.

The Manchester United midfielder has been blamed for the first trophyless season at Old Trafford since 1998 and claims there is a conspiracy to undermine his form before Argentina face England in the World Cup on 7 June.

Injuries have contributed to Veron's stop-start first season in England and few have judged him worthy of the British record £28 million United paid Lazio for him last summer.

"This all started up when the World Cup draw was made because I am Argentinian," said Veron.

Despite constant speculation linking him with a move back to Lazio, where he has frequently returned for treatment this season, Veron insists his future lies at Old Trafford. He compared his own problems with those of England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, whose alleged affair with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson dominated the headlines last month.

Veron has a close relationship with the Swede, who signed him for the Rome club from Sampdoria.

"It's not going to affect me as far as the continuation of my career in England is concerned. Eriksson knows what it is like - look what's happened to him lately," he said.

Veron, speaking from Lazio's Formello training ground, believes the biggest threat to Argentina, who are second favourites for the World Cup, comes from his United teammate David Beckham.

"I really hope he plays against us. But obviously I hope he is not on form because he is an immense talent. We must not think about that. Our objective is to win but it won't be easy because there are great teams like Italy, France and Brazil, and if we want to lift the trophy we will have to beat them all."

It is not the first time that the issue of the Argentinian's nationality has been raised. Earlier this month United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made a similar complaint.

"Ever since England drew Argentina in the World Cup there has been an agenda against Seba," Ferguson said.

"It's all about the Argentina thing and it's totally unfair."

Meanwhile Double winning manager Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not see the South Americans as one of the favourites for the tournament.

" I do not believe in Argentina," Wenger said today. "They are too weak at the back and lack power up front. France and Brazil are favourites. People underestimate Brazil, who will have a very good team."

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