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'I was a total flop at Man Utd after record transfer I regret leaving for Chelsea'

Juan Sebastian Veron had an unhappy spell at Manchester United following his big-money move from Italy but still wishes he hadnt left Old Trafford for Chelsea

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Juan Sebastian Veron had a hugely disappointing spell at Manchester United in the early 2000s(Image: PA)

Manchester United flop Juan Sebastian Veron has admitted he regrets leaving Old Trafford for Chelsea.

The Argentine was regarded as one of the top midfielders in the world when he signed for United for 28million from Lazio in 2001. Veron built his impressive reputation during spells with Sampdoria, Parma and Lazio after heading to Europe from Boca Juniors.

Much was expected of the powerful middleman, but he proved to be a major disappointment, lasting just two years at Old Trafford before being sold to Chelsea for a cut-price 15million. More than 20 years on, it is a decision Vernon, now 48, regrets.

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I felt that going to Chelsea could have been a good chance for me to get a longer sequence of matches, but I shouldnt have gone there, he told FourFourTwo.

I dont say that because of Chelsea, though. Its nice to have a club wanting to sign you, excited that you can do something for them. To make an investment like that, the club has to believe in you and trust you.

What are your memories of Vernon's time in England? Tell us in the comments section below

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There were a few highs but mostly lows during Juan Sebastian Veron's two-year stint at Manchester United(Image: Daily Mirror)

I actually found it tougher to live in London than Manchester because Im from La Plata, which is quite a small city. I wish I could have stayed at United longer, as I believe I could have done things differently.

Verons United form was regularly defended by Sir Alex Ferguson, who once branded reporters f***ing idiots for questioning his performances. But the man himself found playing under the managerial legend tough.

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After a year at Chelsea, Juan Sebastian Veron was loaned out to Inter Milan before joining the Serie A club permanently(Image: Getty Images)

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He [Ferguson] was so demanding with everybody, added Veron, now sporting director at Argentine club Estudiantes. If you couldnt keep up, it was clear you would have to look elsewhere. He was always forthright with me, but he had my back from day one, which was very much appreciated.

At some points, I wasnt able to give him everything he expected from me consistently. He got it in a few matches but not in others, and if you want to be a great player, your game has to be stable. I couldnt deliver it at Old Trafford.

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