Fergie goes to Roman derby

With Manchester United knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round by Middlesbrough, Ferguson has gone to see Fabio Capello's men as he eyes them as being key Champions League opponents.

Ferguson will use the trip to take a closer look at the Lazio duo of defender Alessandro Nesta and striker Hernan Crespo, who are likely to leave the financially-stricken club in the summer.

The Scot`s trip to Rome comes three days before United's big Champions League clash against European foes Bayern Munich and a place in the quarter final stages of the competition.

However, Ferguson has set his club's sights beyond the second phase of the group stages and seeing Roma is part of his forward-thinking.

He told the Sunday Mail: "This is an opportunity to see Roma in a big-match atmosphere.

"You can never know too much about these teams. We might have to play them, so it is important we are aware of their strengths and if they have any weaknesses.

"I have already seen enough of them to know they are up alongside Real Madrid and Bayern as three of the best there is around."

With striker Francesco Totti, wing back Vincent Candela, and defender Walter Samuel, Roma pose a threat to their European challengers and Ferguson knows they will be difficult to play against if drawn against them beyond the second phase.

On the other hand, Lazio's plight might give Ferguson thought to taking some consideration on some of their top assets.

Nesta has already been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Crespo could be forced to go, to help ease the biancocelesti's money problems.

Lazio are behind on payments of players' wages and have failed to pay instalments on Jaap Stam's £16 million transfer from United and Gaizka Mendieta's £30 million move from Valencia.

Meanwhile, Ferguson also took time to take another shot at his managerial rival in Arsenal's Arsene Wenger, claiming the Frenchman was wrong to judge him for not acknowledging any weaknesses in his side.

Ferguson told News of the World: "He was wrong to say that. What he feels is perhaps the perception people have who don't know me.

"Arsene does not know me well enough and I don't know him well enough to judge him."

The former Aberdeen boss also took a shot back at Wenger, claiming he never attends the managers' post-match drink.

He added: "It's true he never comes - and he should. He is the only coach in The Premiership who doesn't.

"It's a tradition here and it would be good for him to bend to tradition. I always go and I always will."

Ferguson went on to sing the praises of Argentine ace Juan Sebastian Veron, claiming the arrival of the midfielder from Lazio was one of the key reasons why he decided to put off his retirement plans.

He told L`Equipe: "The purchase of Veron was the sign United were ready to take up the biggest European challenges and ready to become a great club again.

"He was one of the main influences in my decision to stay."

Ferguson`s telling comment appears to suggest that Veron will not be sold in the summer.