Paulo Bento has reacted quickly to play down rumours that Miguel Veloso could be on his way to Manchester United.
Sporting coach determined to keep midfielder
Sporting Lisbon coach Paulo Bento has reacted quickly to play down rumours that Miguel Veloso could be on his way to Manchester United.
Crstiano Ronaldo, Nani and former Sporting coach Carlos Queiroz have all made the move to Old Trafford and speculation suggests highly-rated midfielder Veloso may soon be joining them.
Sporting take on United in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday and Bento does not want one of his most prized assets to be distracted by talk of a transfer.
He said: "I don't want to talk about Miguel. The more we talk about him, the less good it will be for him.
"Some of our good players have left us before, that is obvious. But if I was to take any notice of how many clubs are supposed to want him, there wouldn't be any more clubs left.
"I can't do anything about that. All I can do is pledge myself to helping Miguel on the pitch in the best way I can.
"I don't want to be negative. You have to think of Miguel's age and his overall welfare."
Realistic
Sporting can still qualify for the last 16 but would need to beat United and then Dynamo Kiev in their final Group F game to have any chance.
Bento accepts that the most likely avenue for a long run in Europe could be to finish third and enter the Uefa Cup.
"This might be the Theatre of Dreams but we have to be realistic," he said.
"When we were put in this group we thought we might make the last 16 but if
it is not possible, we will have to do our best in the UEFA Cup.
"The main thing is that our players enjoy themselves. Occasions such as these are very rare and you want to ensure you perform to your maximum."
