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

Boss has personal touch

11/11/2011 10:00, Report by Adam Marshall

"Just in the way he speaks with you in the team-talk, before important games he can make you feel like it’s the last game you’ll play in your life so you go out there and want to give everything you have. It’s great - you just need to be there to see it."
- Dimitar Berbatov, MUTV

Dimitar Berbatov feels Sir Alex is one of the best man-managers in the game as the boss always manages to motivate his troops.

The Bulgarian has had to make the most of his opportunities due to squad rotation this term but realises the manager is always acting in the best interests of the team with his selections.

"Every player is different," he explained to MUTV. "Some players need to be pushed and others need to be talked to separately. For me, he just needs to come to me and tell me what to expect from the game and the training ground, then it is up to me to show I can play every game.

"I cannot speak for other players, but it is always good when the manager comes to ask how you're feeling and makes you feel calm before you play the game. For me, he knows how to motivate you and how to speak with you, about football or some issues you have outside of football.

"Just in the way he speaks with you in the team-talk, before important games he can make you feel like it’s the last game you’ll play in your life so you go out there and want to give everything you have. It’s great - you just need to be there to see it."

Berbatov believes Sir Alex always has his eye on the bigger picture, even if he's keen to mix with the players and keep spirits high.

"Every time a players retires or goes to another club, he always a back-up plan on how to replace the player and build the team again," added the former Spurs striker.

"The way he treats players is unbelievable. Even when not playing or you’re injured, he's still speaking with you and encouraging. He makes you feel special and lets you know your place in the team.

"Even when we’re on the training ground or go to lunch, for example, it’s like he is one of the team - joking around and telling stories, asking quiz questions.

"He really likes the quiz questions and it's good because he relates with the players and he's really good like that."

source : Manutd