Fergie hails man of the match Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson is backing Dimitar Berbatov to prove his critics wrong - and claims he has no regrets in holding on to the striker.

The Bulgarian has struggled to make an impact at Manchester United since his £30.75million move from Tottenham two years ago.

Berbatov, who has come under fire from fans critical of his work-rate and wastefulness in front of goal, didn’t start a single match in last season’s Champions League knockout stages before United were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the last eight.

Although he has been linked to clubs like Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Spurs, Fergie insists he is going nowhere.

“No matter how many people criticise him it never comes from inside our camp,” said Ferguson. “We see that class. We know we’ve got the right player.”

Berbatov’s inspirational display in the Reds’ victory over Celtic in Toronto on Friday night - scoring a goal and providing two immaculate assists for Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley strikes - delighted his boss.

Ferguson said: “There were some fantastic moments from him. He got the man of the match award and he deserved it. In the second half he produced some fantastic moments and it underlines the one great factor: that class he has. You cannot take that away from him.”

The Bulgarian striker, who has scored 26 goals in 86 competitive outings for United, has a new generation of Old Trafford strikers breathing down his neck - Javier Hernandez, Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck and Mame Biram Diouf.

But Fergie pointed out: “Among the forwards we have with us , there are a number of different combinations. Diouf has got different talents to Macheda and Welbeck and he penetrates well. He is quick and aggressive. He is an interesting player, and I think that suits Dimitar.”

Berbatov, 29, is part of a group of elder statesmen who appear to be under threat from the next generation.

There are 10 other stars who are 29 and over: Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, Ji-Sung Park, Michael Owen and Patrice Evra.

The club’s oldest player is Van der Sar, who turns 40 in October. The Dutch keeper said: “I think Ferguson is clever enough to know when he plays certain players in games, and when to rest them. If a player is playing on Tuesday he knows he can’t play them on Saturday, and he saves them. The training methods are perfect.

“There are still eight or nine players missing on our tour so it’s a chance for some of the boys to get some experience.

“It’s up to them to grab their chance. The young guys have to show it now because in August when the other boys are back it’s going to be hard.”