Berbatov set to extend United deal

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is set to be given a one-year extension on his contract with the club.

With new signing Javier Hernandez showing impressive form during his first season at Old Trafford, and the return of Danny Welbeck from his loan spell at Sunderland, chances have been few and far between for the Bulgarian international.

This has led to speculation over whether United will hold onto the 30-year-old, or offload the forward in the January transfer window, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that the former Tottenham striker is still in his plans.

“Dimitar is still in my thoughts,” he said.

“I have read some things but there is absolutely no reason for me to let him go. He is an outstanding footballer and we will give him the extra year.”

“It is unfortunate the form of Javier Hernandez over the last year has been outstanding, but he [Berbatov] plays a great role and he trains well.”

The Scot also assured fans that Berbatov is content with his current role at the club, reminding them of United’s treble-winning 1999 side, which also boasted four strikers which were all heavily involved.

“He has no complaints. The boy is a great professional and we are happy for him to be here,” he said.

“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.”