The conflict between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has intensified over the declaration of interest from the Premiership giants in young Portuguese midfielder Miguel Veloso.

After Queiroz, who is a former coach of Sporting, had said that United have watched the talented 21-year-old defensive midfielder, the Portuguese club were riled prompting a strong response.

Queiroz has now hit back, saying in the Telegraph: "The Sporting president accused me of trying to approach a player (Miguel Veloso) illegally and having a low moral and ethical code.

"These are rave accusations but, nevertheless, despite the personal slurs, this is something to be resolves between the clubs.

"His declarations must be clarified and investigated as it's the first time that a president of another club visits Manchester and publically accuses a member of the club hierarchy of trying to illegally approach a player.

"I'm deeply disappointed as this a position that's based on unjust conclusions taken from acts that are seen as different by both sides.

"I'm sad about all this as when I observe players it doesn't mean that it's to snatch them away, although, as all clubs, we do have the right to keep tabs on prospective signings."

Both clubs are known to have good relations between them as United have two Portuguese internationals in the first team - Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani - who have come to Old Trafford from Sporting.