Berba will stay

Ferguson keeps faith in Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed any prospect of Dimitar Berbatov leaving Manchester United this summer and hinted that he will be leading their attack at the start of next season because Wayne Rooney will not be back in training early enough to play an immediate part. Ferguson's response when asked in a Canadian radio interview yesterday whether the Bulgarian would be leaving in the close season was unequivocal. "No, no, no, definitely not," he said... Alluding to the speculation linking Berbatov to Milan and Bayern Munich, Ferguson said: "The problem with a club like Manchester United is the expectation and attention is always there. There's speculation every season and some of them have you signing 100 players. You have to deal with that. There's been a lot [written] on Berbatov in terms of his future but we know he is a good player. He is a fantastic footballer and he will be with us next year."

Ian Herbert, The Independent

In the same Canadian radio interview, the boss said he's preparing to start next season without United's World Cup stars. The Daily Mail run the quotes: "The World Cup could be very draining for players as it is the biggest tournament of their lives. We will give all the players involved a 28-day rest after the last game they play in and we will start the season without them. The squad that goes on our pre-season tour will be the squad that starts the season." We're not quite sure how the paper came to its "Fergie tells stars to take August off" headline, though: by our calculations, even if anybody reaches the World Cup final on 11 July they'll be back at Carrington before the new season kicks off.

Player review: Giggs

After dazzling in the centre of midfield in 2008/09, Ryan Giggs reverted to what he knows best last season: terrifying full-backs.

Story of the season Used primarily on the wing during 2009/10, Ryan continually demonstrated the value of experience. He was United's best player during September and remained one of the Reds' most consistent performers until February when, in a challenge with Steve Sidwell at Villa Park, he fractured his right arm and missed five weeks of football. The injury forced Giggs out of key European ties, as well as the Carling Cup final (he'd played a key role in nudging the Reds towards Wembley with a goal against Manchester City in the semi-final first leg), but he returned in late March to drive United's relentless (yet ultimately unsuccessful) bid for a fourth consecutive title.

Finest moment With the title very much in the balance when Tottenham came to OT in April, and top spot beckoning (albeit only temporarily), it was Giggs who stepped forward to assume penalty duties in Wayne Rooney's absence.

 

Despite never taking a spot-kick in 20 league seasons, he coolly despatched both attempts to earn three points and keep the Reds well and truly in the hunt for silverware. “His composure showed itself in those penalties,” Sir Alex said. “Experience gives you that.”

Greatest asset Ever seen Giggs flustered? Didn’t think so. When tackles are flying in from all angles or crowds are baying for blood, Giggsy invariably puts his foot on the ball, slows things down and plays a simple pass. Like fellow veteran Paul Scholes, he’s a master of dictating a game’s pace and picking the right moment to move in for the kill.

What’s in store? It’s incredible to think some United fans were calling for Ryan to retire back in 2002. Instead, he remains one of the first names on Sir Alex’s teamsheet. And thanks to a contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until at least summer 2011, United fans can continue to enjoy one of the most talented footballers to ever grace the English game.

ManUtd.Com