Berbatov out of cup clash

DIMITAR BERBATOV will miss Manchester United’s Club World Cup semi–final with Gamba Osaka tomorrow after picking up a virus.

Berbatov has been unable to train since his arrival in Japan and the 27–year–old was absent today as United went through their paces for the final time at the Nissan Stadium.

It means Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, who is expected to recover from a minor knock in time to play, should be paired up front as the Red Devils look to become the first English team to win the competition in its newly expanded format.

Sir Alex Ferguson would not confirm his full starting XI. However, he did reveal Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville would be included, along with Paul Scholes, who will start for the first time since undergoing knee surgery at the end of September.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has confirmed goalkeeper Ben Foster is already back in light training after breaking a finger last week.


MANCHESTER City executive chairman Garry Cook has promised there will be some surprises in the January transfer window and has not ruled out another stunning signing.

However, he was keen to stress the world’s richest club are looking for value for money and want to build a strong squad and not just bring in star names.