Berbatov praises Ferguson's man-management

Dimitar Berbatov has praised Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s man-management style despite the striker struggling to break into the first team this season.

Berbatov, 30, has started one league game and his future at Old Trafford is far from certain with a year remaining on his contract.

But the former Bulgaria international, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur for £30m in 2008, still feels he has the support of Ferguson.

“The way he treats players is unbelievable,” said Berbatov. “Even when not playing or you’re injured, he’s still speaking with you and encouraging.

“He makes you feel special and lets you know your place in the team.”

Berbatov has fallen behind Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernández and Wayne Rooney in the United pecking order – but he is eager to fight for his place in side while taking on board Ferguson’s advice.

“Some players need to be pushed and others need to be talked to separately,” he said.

“For me, he just needs to come to me and tell me what to expect from the game and the training ground, then it is up to me to show I can play every game.”

And he also spoke of the inspiration he has drawn from the United manager, who celebrated is 25th year in charge at Old Trafford last Sunday, in team-talks before games.

“I cannot speak for other players, but it is always good when the manager comes to ask how you’re feeling and makes you feel calm before you play the game,” he added.

“For me, he knows how to motivate you and how to speak with you, about football or some issues you have outside of football.

“Just in the way he speaks with you in the team-talk – before important games he can make you feel like it’s the last game you’ll play in your life, so you go out there and want to give everything you have.

“It’s great – you just need to be there to see it.”