Ferguson’s promise to Berbatov

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has promised record signing Dimitar Berbatov he will feature this season despite being left on the bench for last night’s 1–1 draw with Benfica.

The Champions League encounter at the Stadium of Light seemed like the perfect opportunity for Berbatov to return, especially as Anders Lindegaard, Antonio Valencia and Darren Fletcher all made their first appearances of the season.

Instead, the £30.75million Bulgarian remained on the bench.

Ferguson said: “Dimitar has been terrific in training. His attitude is spot on. He will get his game time as the season wears on. There is no question about that.”

Trailing to Oscar Cardozo's impressive strike and outplayed for long periods, United were thankful for Ryan Giggs’ 27th Champions League goal, 17 years to the day since his first.

The Welshman has now scored in 16 seasons of the competition, another record.