Boss Praise For Berba

Dimitar Berbatov remains in Sir Alex's thoughts after leading the line impressively in the 2-2 draw with Benfica.

The former Spurs striker ended a long run without a goal at Champions League level with a textbook header from Nani's 30th-minute cross to pull United back to level terms on Tuesday night.

After twice putting the ball into the net when the whistle had sounded and hammering a late volleyed chance over the top, there will have been some frustration on his part but the manager was pleased with the 30-year-old's overall display.

"He's always been involved," said the manager. "He's not had the starts but that's all to do with the partnerships we've had this season.

"He's done very well tonight and could've scored a hat-trick. It was a bad decision when he was flagged offside in the first half - it was never offside. And he missed an opportunity near the end, he was a bit unlucky but maybe he could've taken it down.

"Nonetheless, he played very well and there's always a goal in Dimi, always the ability to turn a game. That's why I played him. He's always in my thoughts."