VERON PARADED AS UNITED'S RECORD SIGNING

The Lazio midfielder sealed his British record move, for a fee and "associated cost" of £28.1 million, and signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson managed to pull off a successful swoop for one of his long-term targets with the 26-year-old Argentinian passing a medical with flying colours, as the doctor examining him declared himself surprised by his level of fitness, particularly after coming straight from a lengthy flight.

'Brujita', which means 'The Little Witch', has signed a deal that includes a clause to obtain extra finance from a percentage of his image rights, something David Beckham's agents will ensure is written into his new contract at the club.

"This is terrific news for United and all our fans," said Peter Kenyon. "Sebastian is a world-class player and is a great addition to what is already a very strong first team squad."

Veron added: "I am very glad to be here. This is an important moment in my life to arrive in Manchester. I am going to try and do my best to make the fans of Manchester United happy."

Sir Alex Ferguson stated: "I think I've always searched for this. I never thought I'd spend this much money on a footballer, unless you're talking about yesterday!

"You've seen the escalation and it's unthinkable but it is a matter between clubs nowadays and the players have no say about the values placed on them.

"We have a great squad and we're improving on that. I think he's coming into great years of career and he will peak and we'll get the benefit of that. He is world class, fantastic footballer with a vision of the game we can use.

"I think the players we have brought in have adapted quite quickly because we have a settled team and settled way of playing.

"I think the team has done fantastic but there comes a point when they have to be challenged. That happened a few times last season when they didn't reach the levels we know they can.

"As when we bought three players a couple of years ago, we needed a kickstart. Everyone has sat up in the dressing room and are really impressed by this signing because they know we are getting a top player.

"I saw him play for Sampdoria first and we thought he was a fantastic player. He then went to Parma without telling me! He was obviously going to be a top player.

"I've always maintained there must be one player who can make a difference - Cantona, Keane, Barthez are three great instances of how a great player can make a difference.

"Over the years, my dream is always to make us the best. We spoke about Ronaldo when he was a young player. Now Peter Kenyon's determination has made Veron's move possible and make this happen. This is what United should do - not always because the market is ridiculous but, from time to time, a major signing lifts everyone at the club.

"The people outside the stadium want to see United be the best and I think we have tried to do that today.

 "I have options in the midfield. Wonderful options. I want to have a chat with Juan Sebastian. We have some ideas about how we can develop the team.

"I think the reason is we're bringing the best in and everyone has to compete with that. We have another standard now. I think Barthez is one of the best signings we have ever made - he proved he is a bigger winner