Fergie Backs Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he still has confidence in Dimitar Berbatov despite leaving the striker on the bench for most of the game against Bayern Munich.

United, who were down to 10 men after 50 minutes of the Champions league tie, started with Wayne Rooney, who was just back from an ankle injury, in attack.

Ferguson only brought Berbatov on with 10 minutes left but insisted "I still trust him, he's a good player".

"When we got the man sent off there was no need to put a striker on," he added.

"All we were trying to do was go over the line in terms of defending."

United, who eventually lost the tie on away goals after Bayern fought back to make it 4-4 on aggregate, saw Rafael sent off five minutes into the second half on Wednesday night.

Berbatov has begun 20 Premier League games, scoring 12 goals, but has been a substitute for each of United's games in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Bulgarian, a £30m signing from Tottenham in September 2008, started the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea last weekend, but it was his first start against either of the other top-three sides.

"There is absolutely no reason why we should doubt that he is a good player," said Ferguson.

"Dimitar has done well in a lot of games recently but we prefer to play with one striker."

Newspaper reports have suggested that a possible deal to supplement United's attack with Valencia striker David Villa failed as United refused to meet the Spanish side's £35m valuation.

But Ferguson refused to confirm any discussions had taken place over the 28-year-old.
"There is conjecture about every good player," he said.

"I am sure by the end of the season there will be half a dozen more. I cannot confirm that speculation but most of it is not right."