Berbatov to fight for place



Dimitar Berbatov is determined to secure more first-team football at Manchester United after rejecting pleas from Bulgaria fans to come out of retirement.

The 30-year-old was the joint-top scorer in the Premier League last season, but he has started only two games for United in all competitions this term.

He failed to even make the bench for last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Liverpool and was an unused substitute for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League win over Otelul Galati in Romania.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has previously insisted Berbatov will get chances to impress and the forward is willing to fight for his place.

"I want to get more chances because I know I can help the team," said Berbatov. "I'll continue to give my best to earn my place in the team."

The Red Devils' game against Galati in Bucharest was attended by several hundred Bulgarian fans, who had travelled to the Romanian capital to plead with Berbatov to come out of international retirement.

Berbatov was surprised by the calls from the Bulgarian fans, but he is not currently planning to make himself available again for the national team.

He added: "I didn't expect such a reaction.

"I can't play for the national team if I'm not playing for my club.

"I would like to thank the fans, it was very pleasant. My team-mates wondered what was happening and I had to explain to them (about the noise)."

skysports.com