Nani Pleads For Berba Stay

Nani has urged Dimitar Berbatov not to turn his back on Manchester United despite his UEFA Champions League final snub.

The Bulgarian striker, who shared the Premier League golden boot with Carlos Tevez after scoring 21 goals, did not even make it onto the bench for Saturday's defeat by Barcelona.

Sir Alex Ferguson selected Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez in his starting XI, with Michael Owen on the bench, leaving Berbatov conspicuous by his absence among the non-playing members of the squad.

Ferguson's selection policy has led to widespread speculation that the former Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen forward could be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer.

But winger Nani, who came off the bench as the Red Devils were ripped apart by a breathtaking Barcelona display at Wembley, is keen for the languid forward to remain with the 19-times champions of England.

He said: "I don't know what he has in mind but everyone knows he's a fantastic player.

"He has scored a lot of goals for us, finished as the top scorer in the league, and I would like him to play for Manchester United again next season.

"I don't know which players will be coming in but most important is that the ones who stay fight for us."

Ferguson attempted to explain his decision following the match, highlighting the need for midfield reinforcements among his substitutes and Owen's greater ability as an impact player.

The Scot admitted: "I found picking my subs very, very difficult. I tended to overload with midfielders. I thought that was the area that was most important in terms of the way Barcelona play.

"It was a choice between Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov. If you're looking for someone to nick a goal in the last few minutes of a game, Owen's experience is why I took that decision."

Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev rejected as 'nonsense' suggestions his client had stormed away from Wembley after learning he would not be involved, but refused to be drawn on his long-term future with United.

He said: "Let us take a few days."