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Dimitar Berbatov insists Manchester United ‘need me’ after being offered one-year contract extension
The 30-year-old has featured mostly from the bench this season, although has bagged six goals in his last three games, and will remain at Old Trafford as long as he is required
31 Dec 2011 15:47:00
By John Stammers
Getty Images
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has said that he is happy to remain at Old Trafford as long as he remains in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans, after the club revealed they still required his services in the summer.
After struggling for first-team action, the Bulgarian has featured more regularly over the festive period, grabbing six goals in his past three games, including a hat-trick against Wigan before a second-half brace in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Blackburn.
Before the Rovers defeat, Sir Alex confirmed that the club intended to offer the 30-year-old a one-year contract extension, and Berbatov has suggested the Premier League champions had already told him he was still a vital player for the side.
He told The Sun: "There are always rumours about my future and some clubs are interested.
"But last summer I was told by United that they need me - and that was good enough for me.
"As a professional I want to play in every game so I need to exploit all chances so no one can doubt my work."
Despite finishing top scorer in the English top-flight last year, Berbatov has fallen behind Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order, but the former Tottenham man insists he is always ready to take up the goalscoring mantle at the club.
He added: "My worst moments are when I know the starting XI and I am not on the list.
"My objective in training is always clear - to give myself a chance of making the team.
"Obviously I want to play but it is very complicated in a squad as good as United's, especially in attack. But when I'm on the bench I am full of tension because at any moment the chance to play might arrive. I'm never relaxed.
"I think I have fulfilled my obligation with six goals this season set against the time I've actually spent on the field.
"But my challenge is to play, score goals and to help us get more victories."
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After struggling for first-team action, the Bulgarian has featured more regularly over the festive period, grabbing six goals in his past three games, including a hat-trick against Wigan before a second-half brace in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Blackburn.
Before the Rovers defeat, Sir Alex confirmed that the club intended to offer the 30-year-old a one-year contract extension, and Berbatov has suggested the Premier League champions had already told him he was still a vital player for the side.
He told The Sun: "There are always rumours about my future and some clubs are interested.
"But last summer I was told by United that they need me - and that was good enough for me.
"As a professional I want to play in every game so I need to exploit all chances so no one can doubt my work."
Despite finishing top scorer in the English top-flight last year, Berbatov has fallen behind Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order, but the former Tottenham man insists he is always ready to take up the goalscoring mantle at the club.
He added: "My worst moments are when I know the starting XI and I am not on the list.
"My objective in training is always clear - to give myself a chance of making the team.
"Obviously I want to play but it is very complicated in a squad as good as United's, especially in attack. But when I'm on the bench I am full of tension because at any moment the chance to play might arrive. I'm never relaxed.
"I think I have fulfilled my obligation with six goals this season set against the time I've actually spent on the field.
"But my challenge is to play, score goals and to help us get more victories."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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