Petit: United do want me

Benfica midfielder Armando Petit claims he is aware of interest from Manchester United, despite denials from assistant manager Carlos Queiroz.

The United number two dismissed suggestions that the Portugal international is one of the candidates to arrive at Old Trafford this summer.

However, Petit, a busy and energetic runner, reckons he has an opportunity to link up with international colleague Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester next term.

"I am happy at Benfica but I know of the interest from Manchester United and other teams," he told the media whilst preparing for Portugal's World Cup campaign.

"Anyone would like to play for Manchester United.

"If a proposal appears that is good for me and Benfica, I have the possibility to leave.

"My future will be resolved in the next two or three weeks."

Queiroz, himself a target for Benfica, has already shot down the likelihood of the 29-year-old coming to United with Mahamadou Diarra understood to be Sir Alex Ferguson's number one target.

Lyon signed midfielder Jeremy Toulalan for ‚é¼7 million (£4.75 million) on Friday and are expected to allow Diarra to leave if United follow up their interest with a massive offer.

Petit's Benfica team-mate Manuel Fernandes has also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with the midfielder claiming interest from United.

Fernandes said: "I am happy with the news because United is a super club, but officially I have not received any offer."