Berba: Hard Work Pays Off

Dimitar Berbatov believes a summer of hard work has been a key factor in his explosive start to the season for Manchester United.

The Bulgarian striker has struggled to make a sustained impact at Old Trafford since his 2008 arrival from Tottenham Hotspur and has failed to fully convince the United fans.

However, a hat-trick in Sunday's thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool took Berbatov's tally to six goals in five Premier League appearances.

The 29-year-old insists he feels privileged to be a United player and outlined the lengths he went to during the off-season to ensure he was in top condition for the 2010/11 campaign.

"I was disappointed with myself that I could not please all the supporters," said Berbatov.

"I've said before, the people of Manchester United are the judges and that is the way it should be. It's their team. I am a guest - a privileged guest.

"Now I feel like everything I imagine on the pitch will come true and that feels awesome.

"I have worked hard on my fitness. So hard. I'm not a weights guy, I'm sure you can see by my body. But I have been trying to even work on that.

"I ran six miles every day during the off season. I watched one World Cup match, went for a run, then watched another and went for another run. This was my routine."

He added: "This crowd at Old Trafford. The way I feel right now. I'm not tired, I feel alive.

"I have always said I am so lucky to play here. For these people. For this manager. For this club. With these players."