Ferguson recognised a good business deal

The Argentine's �15m move to Stamford Bridge is likely to be completed on Thursday after just over two years at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old cost United �28.1m from Lazio in July 2001.

But Ferguson insisted the club were well stocked in midfield and was happy to let Veron go.

Veron set for Chelsea

"It's always difficult letting good players go but we are very, very well off in the midfield and the overall package made it too interesting for us not to take it," Ferguson told MUTV.

"We're trying to be sensible in a market that's had its fingers burnt throughout Europe.

"He was on a massive salary and it's worth a lot of money to us.

We need someone who can add to what we've got up front and we need a defender Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson

"We had a collection of central midfield players who made my life difficult enough as it is so when an offer came in for Seba we decided to take it."

As well as the likes of Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, and Eric Djemba-Djemba, Ferguson expects to sign Kleberson, and highlighted the potential of Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson.

And despite losing a substantial amount of money on Veron, albeit in a depressed transfer market, Ferguson insisted that the player had been a success at Old Trafford.

"He was a marvellous player, always wanted the ball, had very good skills and did a great job for us. We are very happy with him," he said.

But the manager said he was still looking to bolster his side before the new season.

"We've added three players, two have gone out and we've lost Laurent Blanc. But we need two more players," said Ferguson.

"We need someone who can add to what we've got up front and we need a defender."