Giggs the key for Man Utd says Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov believes Ryan Giggs is providing the inspiration behind Manchester United’s bid to win a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Giggs played a key role in sending the reigning champions back to the top of the table on Saturday as he came off the bench to help United claim a 2-0 win a at Stoke.

The Welsh midfielder replaced Nani 10 minutes into the second half and quickly turned the game in United’s favour with assists for Berbatov and then John O’Shea to score the goals that took Sir Alex Ferguson’s team above Chelsea on goal difference.

“The game changed when Ryan came on,” Berbatov said. “You can see because of the number of years he has been able to play for Manchester United how much he helps by being on the pitch.

“He makes the right decisions. That is what got us the three points.”

Berbatov’s goal at the Britannia Stadium was just his second of the season and he has yet to win over sections of the United fanbase, but the Bulgarian insists United’s success is more important than individual plaudits.

“The most important thing is for the team to win, not for me to score,” he said.

“If we win 1-0, I don’t care if the goalkeeper scores. I just want to stay at the top of the table and continue winning.”

When United were slipping to a shock defeat at newly-promoted Burnley in their second game the chances of them sitting on top of the table before the start of October seemed remote, even if those within Old Trafford remained quite comfortable with their situation.

Republic of Ireland defender O’Shea admits that Burnley loss was the kind of shock to the system that always produces a strong response from United.

“We knew we had to go on a run to put a marker down,” O’Shea said.

“Burnley was a freakish result. But we have always responded well to situations like that and put together a good run of victories.

“This was the same. But the games keep rolling and we have to continue.”