Berba's back on Sunday

Sir Alex isn’t in the habit of giving away too many secrets, but the United boss has confirmed Dimitar Berbatov will play against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Bulgarian has been in fine form this season, netting four goals in five games to silence members of the media who had questioned whether he was cut out to play at Old Trafford.

But the manager has always backed the striker and will put his faith in the 29-year-old again when he sends him out against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

“Not everyone’s questioned him,” Sir Alex reminded the press on Friday morning. “He has a lot of admirers, particularly within this club.

“When we buy a player for a lot of money there’s more focus on them. When they have a bad game they get criticism other players might not get.

“Dimitar’s had some marvellous games for us. I’ve told him he has to dismiss the press. I think he worried about [the headlines sometimes]. But he’s expressed himself this season very well, he’s enjoying his football and he’ll play on Sunday.”

The boss also confirmed “everyone else is fit” and reiterated his belief that United-Liverpool games are still the biggest drawcard on the English football calendar.

“I may sound like a parrot sometimes because I say this time and time again but this is the fixture. And the form in these fixtures fluctuates quite a bit.

“There was a period for about five years [in the late 90s] when we hardly lost and then recently they won a few in a row. We won the last game [in March 2010], so hopefully that swings it back in our favour again.”

Although Liverpool played a Europa League tie on Thursday night, Sir Alex doesn’t expect any sizable advantage from an extra two days’ rest.

“Liverpool rested players on Thursday so it doesn’t really matter. Both teams will be well prepared for the game. We’re looking forward to it.”