Boss praises Berba

Sir Alex has paid tribute to Dimitar Berbatov’s professionalism as the Bulgarian waits for his chance to reclaim a starting spot.

Last season’s joint-Golden Boot winner has been the subject of a couple of enquiries but is staying at Old Trafford to fight for his place.

Despite Danny Welbeck’s emergence and Javier Hernandez’s return to fitness giving the manager more options in attack, the Bulgarian’s attitude has been exemplary.

With Michael Owen also back in full training, the competition is probably as tough for a place in the forward line as anywhere within the champions' star-studded squad.

“Berbatov has been brilliant,” enthused the manager. “His handling of the situation has been terrific. He’s not complained one bit.

“He’s a really good professional and he’ll play his part, like all the players on the team. It won’t be at this moment in time because the space between games is good. Then we’ve got the international break for two weeks and, when they come back, the European games start up and Berbatov will be involved as he’s got the experience and the ability to play a big part.”

There was no question of any suitors being able to capitalise on the situation by snapping up the former Spurs striker despite speculation starting from the moment he was left off the bench for the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

“We had a couple of calls but I’m not going to sell Berbatov,” stated Sir Alex. “No way. He’s first-class, the lad, I must say he’s been tremendous