Manchester United FC

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Fergie predicts Berba impact

16 Jan 2009 - 08:54:29

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Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester United's title rivals that Dimitar Berbatov is ready to explode following a settling in period at Old Trafford.

Berbatov has scored eight goals in 21 appearances since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in a £30million deal at the end of August.

The Bulgaria international has been in eye-catching form in the victories over Wigan Athletic and Chelsea in recent days and Ferguson believes United fans, who remain unconvinced by their big-money signing, are now set to see the best of Berbatov.

The 27-year-old striker could lead the line by himself at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday with Wayne Rooney absent with a hamstring injury and Carlos Tevez struggling to shake off a knock picked up in the midweek win over Wigan.

"I have a feeling we are about to see the best of Berbatov," said Ferguson.

"When you pay a lot of money for a player he inevitably comes under close scrutiny.

"It happened to Juan Sebastian Veron and Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar has also suffered from the impatience of people when a guy makes a big move.

"At Tottenham, he orchestrated most of their play and if, at times, he has looked a bit isolated, it was because our players needed to adjust to him just as much as he has needed to learn our ways."