Boss keeping Berbatov

18/11/2011 15:50, Report by James Tuck

Sir Alex has dismissed suggestions he is ready to offload Dimitar Berbatov, insisting the Bulgarian has an important part to play in United’s trophy quest.

Berbatov's starting appearances have been limited this season by the form of Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, leading to speculation that he could be sold in January.

But when asked at his Friday press conference if the 30-year-old was still in his thoughts, Sir Alex replied: "Yes. I have read some things but there is absolutely no reason for me to let him go.

"He is an outstanding footballer and it is unfortunate that the form of Chicharito over the last year has been outstanding, but he [Berbatov] plays a great role and he trains well.

"He has no complaints. He is a great professional and we are happy for him to be here."

Berbatov's contract runs out next summer and Sir Alex was asked whether he planned to activate a clause in the deal to keep him at Old Trafford for another year.

"He’s still a young man," the Reds boss responded. "You need a good number of strikers in the modern day.

"If you look back to 1999, we had four great strikers. They all played their part. That is exactly what will happen today."

source : Manutd

Papers: £15m Berba bid?

17/11/2011 10:22

David McDonnell writes in The Mirror...

Russians plan £15m Berbatov swoop

Dimitar Berbatov is a £15million January target for mega-spending Russian club FC Anzhi Makhachkala. Berbatov, currently out of favour at Manchester United, has been offered an escape route from his Old Trafford predicament. Anzhi have been in talks with the 30-year-old's agent, Emil Danchev, and are willing to pay the striker £7.5million a year. Berbatov and his agent are holding out for £12m, but a deal will be done if a compromise is reached on the player’s wage demands. “We would be interested when Anzhi make a concrete offer,” said Danchev. “We will sit down with Dimitar and ponder this. I don’t know if Dimitar is happy in Manchester. He plays, then he just sits on the bench.” United are willing to let Berbatov go - particularly with Anzhi willing to pay such a generous price for the Bulgarian, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Tottenham for £30m in 2008.

Fabio Capello has heaped praise upon Phil Jones, even comparing the United defender to Franco Baresi and Fernando Hierro. Having cast a watchful eye over the 19-year old during the recent international break, the England manager is confident Jones can emulate the legendary pair.“It is difficult to find a player like him, really difficult," says Capello, quoted in The Telegraph. "He can play in different positions always at the top level. I found in my career probably two players – Franco Baresi and Fernando Hierro. They played as midfielders and after they played centre-back.”

The same paper claims Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will plead not guilty after the FA charged the Uruguayan for his conduct towards Patrice Evra during United’s 1-1 draw at Anfield in October.

source : manutd