ON-LOAN Newcastle defender Sylvain Distin has warned that United must eradicate errors at the back if they are to make an impact in next season's Champions' League, writes CLIVE HETHERINGTON.

Frenchman Distin, who joined United from Paris St. Germain last September and hopes to seal a permanent move soon, admits that defensive deficiencies have proved costly at times this season and believes manager Bobby Robson would be right to seek greater steel.

It may have been a Freudian slip when Robson bracketed Jaap Stam with Brazilian superstars Rivaldo and Ronaldo on his fantasy shopping list after Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham as he pondered how United will go about holding their own against Europe's elite.

Cash-strapped Italian giants Lazio are understood to be ready to off-load Dutch centre-back Stam, who moved from Manchester United early this season in a £15.25m deal, and Robson is said to be weighing up a £12m swoop.

But whatever moves Robson makes this summer, Distin maintains that greater discipline is crucial to United's Champions' League chances.

"If we work hard, we can do well,'' said Distin, who will cost United around £3.5m if the deal goes through. "I will not tell Newcastle what to do. I'm not here to say who we have to buy.

"Maybe we should buy one more player, but one more player would not change everything.

"It's about everybody, not just the defence. In defence, the problem is us. Every time the other team scores, it is our fault. We have to cut out the mistakes.'' Distin, who has operated at centre-back and left-back, came on for the second half on Saturday and hopes it won't turn out to be a farewell appearance in front of Tyneside's football public.

United were afforded a rousing ovation as they went on a lap of honour after their final home game this season.

But Distin stressed: "I did not need any convincing. I knew what I wanted the first time I came here. What happened out there on Saturday has changed nothing. I wanted to come here permanently and I still do.

"I knew this was a big club and I did not have to wait until the end of the season to make up my mind. We're having discussions with the club about next season. I don't know how long they will take - it might take a day or a month.

"But I'm very happy here and I have learned a lot. If I stay or go, there are no regrets.

"Bobby Robson is a good person and has a lot of experience. Every manager is different; I come from France where the mentality is different, and I have learned a lot here.''

Robson said of the Distin deal: "It's in the hands of the club - I don't do the contracts. The chairman (Freddy Shepherd) knows what I want and it's up to him and the board.''

Meanwhile, Robson revealed that Kieron Dyer, withdrawn near the end of Saturday's game, is still feeling the effects of a groin strain little over a week before England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is expected to name the midfielder in his World Cup squad.

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