Berba fears new rival

DIMITAR BERBATOV fears his flagging Manchester United career will come under even more pressure if they buy a new striker.

The hitman, who yesterday quit international football with Bulgaria, has been a flop since his £30.75million move from Spurs two seasons ago.

Boss Alex Ferguson is already looking to sign either Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka or Real Madrid's Karim Benzema for the next campaign.

Berbatov, 29, has two years left on his deal and admitted: "I'm sure United will buy a new striker - but I am there and that's important.

"I will try to fulfil my contract because where would I go after United? I have reached the top with them. I do not know about interest from other clubs and I have had no meetings.

"In my two years, things could have been better but they could have been worse, too. I have had my moments.

"I have won the title and the Carling Cup but people had great expectations for the money it cost to sign me. We do not know what will happen in the third year."

Bayern ace wants Vidic deal

BAYERN MUNICH striker Ivica Olic has called on his club to sign Nemanja Vidic this summer.

The Manchester United defender has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford amid interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

But should the 28-year-old be eyeing the exit door, Bayern ace Olic believes Germany would provide a better home.

He said: "When I heard Bayern were aware of him as a player I told him to join our club and get to know a different sort of league.

"He is definitely under contract at one of the best clubs in the world and he is absolutely one of the best defenders in England.

"But if he is really eyeing a transfer, Bayern should be a serious contender.

"I am always telling him that down here in Munich life is beautiful for you and your family."

Player review: Ferdinand

Despite becoming England captain, Rio Ferdinand endured a frustrating 2009/10...

Story of the season: "The day after a game I would waddle into the club like a duck, bent over like an old hunchback,” Rio admitted when describing the back injury which ravaged his campaign. The manner with which Fernando Torres brushed aside the defender's attentions at Anfield in October prompted a moment of clarity: "We made a decision to rest it completely before I could return to the team." In his first game back, Rio’s off-the-ball clash with Hull's Craig Fagan yielded a three-game ban, subsequently extended to four for what the FA deemed a frivolous appeal. Finally back for March’s hard-fought win at Wolves, Rio reprised his partnership with Nemanja Vidic and turned in a string of typically unflustered performances as the season wound to a close. There was another late injury scare when he tweaked a groin muscle and dislocated a finger in the goalless draw at Blackburn, but Rio’s determination to play on demonstrated his unerring commitment to the cause.

Finest moment: Ferdinand and Vidic shouldered plenty of flak after three successive defeats to Liverpool between 2008 and 2009. Although Fernando Torres escaped the entire defence’s attentions to open the scoring at Old Trafford in March, the manner with which Rio snuffed out the visitors’ threat throughout the game exorcised some lingering demons. Sadly no goals for the lofty defender to celebrate, although he did come close with a superb hooked volley at home to Fulham.

What’s in store? Rio will be intent on attaining and retaining full fitness ahead of next season, especially with the ever-improving Jonny Evans pushing for further involvement and new signing Chris Smalling arriving from Fulham.

 

 

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