Fabio Coentrao Pursuit

Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped up his pursuit of Portugal left-back Fabio Coentrao after learning that Benfica have already launched the search for his replacement.
Sportsmail first revealed that United were tracking the 22-year old defender last month, and Ferguson is understood to have followed up his interest by contacting Benfica's board and asking to be kept informed of developments.
He can expect a call back before long, after it emerged that Benfica are currently running the rule over two left-backs, Taye Taiwo at Marseille and FC Copenhagen's Oscar Wendt.
United are considering a bid for £20million-rated Coentrao, amid growing concerns over the future of Patrice Evra, who is still weighing up a possible move abroad at the end of the season.
But they will face stern competition from Real Madrid, who have also sounded out Benfica about their World Cup left-back and are ready to match any offer from Old Trafford.

Spurs Target Brown!

Having annotated in an article, last week, that United could be preparing to part with Wes Brown in the January transfer window, Spurs could be emerging as a destination.

Wanted by a host of Premier League clubs, Brown, now thirty-one, is interesting Spurs after their attempts to lure Phil Neville to North London fell on deaf ears.

Well that`s what one leading Sunday tabloid is peddling in its gossip pages this morning!

Chelsea to beat Man Utd for brilliant £20m Serie A winger

 There are reports coming in today that both Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti are very keen on bringing in the Chilean international winger Alexis Sanchez to the Premier League, after the Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti admitted that the Italian giants had failed to persuade Udinese to let him leave.
Sanchez is one of the hottest properties in Italy at the moment, and Inter have been trying to nab him all season, but the Mail today reports that both Man Utd and Chelsea have entered the race for Sanchez, and it is most likely that he will end up at Stamford Bridge rather than Old Trafford.
Roman Abramovich has agreed to back Carlo Ancelotti this month as Chelsea desperately try to regain a Champions League slot, and Sanchez would bring a new attacking option to Chelsea’s front line as Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda are all floundering in front of goal at the moment.
Alex Ferguson desperately wants Sanchez as well, but it is unlikely that he will be allowed to splash the cash to beat Ancelotti in a bidding war.
Sanchez may only be 22, but he is wowing crowds in Italy, and is also an experienced Chilean international, having scored 12 times in just 34 appearances for his country.
The Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin admitted that he could lose Sanchez this month when he said yesterday: “If it was up to me then I would keep Sanchez until June and I think the club agree with me on that.
“However, it does depend on a number of factors and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
It looks like Chelsea will get a great boost to take them forward again in the Premiership title race….

Alex Ferguson angry at Rafael red card

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson seemed furious with right-back Rafael's sending-off at Spurs, refusing to talk about it after the 0-0 draw.

The 20-year-old defender received a second yellow card from referee Mike Dean for tripping Spurs left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto after 75 minutes.
Wayne Rooney was also booked for protesting the decision and Ferguson said: "I don't need to discuss that."
"You can see for yourself. I don't need to discuss the referee," he added.
Rafael, who was up against Gareth Bale on the left of Tottenham's midfield, was booked in the first half for a foul on Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios.
In a game where defences were largely on top, Tottenham had three great chances to score with Peter Crouch going close in the first half, Rafael Van Der Vaart missing with a header before half-time and the Dutchman shooting just over following a late corner.
Rooney, meanwhile, showed glimpses of last season's form with a shot in the second half which was finely saved by Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes.
Following Rafael's dismissal it was United's defence which was most under pressure with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand enjoying good performances at the heart of the Red Devils' defence.
"It was a tough game, they didn't make many chances against us, we were a bit careless with our use of the ball, it was a decent point for us," said Ferguson.
"Our defenders were particularly good but when we were in the final third maybe we needed a better pass."

Suarez Ready To Move

Ajax striker Luis Suarez claims he is ready for a big move as speculation mounts surrounding his future.

The prolific Uruguay international is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Europe with Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United reportedly interested.
Ajax have so far resisted the urge to sell the star, who could cost over £20million, but Suarez now claims he is ready to leave and places honours ahead of wages.
"If I move I want to join a real football club where they play good, attacking football," Suarez is quoted as saying in The Sunday Mirror.
"I will decline any offer from clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk or [Zenit] Saint Petersburg where they offer you sacks full of money.
"I've an obsession to win trophies. I am a South American with the mentality to win."
Ajax coach Frank de Boer has held talks with the 23-year-old, who has scored seven goals in 13 league starts this season, and the Dutchman is preparing for his exit.
"I've had a showdown with Luis," said the former Barcelona player, who was appointed as Martin Jol's successor at the beginning of the month.
"I wanted to know what his plans are and what the future will bring. Luis is training hard. He told me that if a big club comes in for him now he is ready to talk to them."
And De Boer admitted: "I've a back-up scenario ready."

Bale on the radar?

Sir Alex Ferguson will make a summer offer in the region of £40m for Tottenham wide man Gareth Bale as the Manchester United boss places the Welsh international at the top of his summer wish-list. The Old Trafford manager believes that his squad is one of the best he has had during his lengthy reign but feels that the White Hart Lane starlet would represent an improvement.
Ferguson has chastised himself for failing to land Bale when he was impressing all and sundry at Southampton and the Scot will now try to lure the Cardiff born youngster to Man United with the promise of being able to challenge for major honours something that at this present time Tottenham may struggle to do even at their most resurgent best.
Harry Redknapp knows he may struggle to keep the left winger at the club if his head is turned by interest shown in him from Europe’s elite and an offer of such magnitude will only tempt Spurs if Bale announces his intention to leave.
Bale has become a crucial part of Tottenham’s success over the past 18 months and any offer will surely be turned down and any hope Ferguson has of winning the race to sign their number one target would depend solely on whether the player himself pushes for an exit something that becomes more likely if the north London club fails to secure a top four finish.

No Complaints by SAF

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his side’s defensive stability after Manchester United returned to the summit of the Premier League despite being held to a goalless draw at Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp’s Spurs, who were looking for their first win against United in 10 years, looked the more dangerous in possession but failed to deliver in the final third, with the best chance of the afternoon falling to Peter Crouch early in the first half.
From there on the United rearguard coped efficiently with any Spurs attacks as captain Nemanja Vidic led by example with a superb defensive display for the unbeaten league leaders.
“We defended very well, they never gave us any trouble with their attacking,” Sir Alex said. “We had one or two good opportunities at times when we got to the last third of the field but we just didn’t quite have the cutting edge.
“The kind of pressure we were under was just long balls into the box really. With Ferdinand and Vidic as your centre-backs you know you can cope with that. They were fantastic, the whole back four did really really well.”
The United boss, whose side moved level on points with second-placed Manchester City having played two games less than their derby rivals, added: “In the context of Tottenham’s home record this season and the performances they have given, we have got to take it as a good point for us.
“It’s about winning games and keeping your nerve and today, defensively, we kept our nerve. It was a decent point, I can’t complain.”
Referee Mike Dean showed seven yellow cards at White Hart Lane and United right-back Rafael looked unlucky to have been sent off after receiving his second booking for bringing down Benoît Assou-Ekotto.
But the United manager refused to be drawn on the incident after the final whistle. “I don’t need to discuss that, you can see for yourself,” he said. “I don’t need to discuss the referee.”
Spurs boss Redknapp, whose side remain in fifth place in the Premier League, agreed with Sir Alex’s assessment that defence prevailed in north London. He said: “Chances were few and far between. I thought we edged the game without creating too many clear-cut chances.
“They [Manchester United] are a Champions League winning team, they’ve played big games and defended for their lives in Europe. They came here and were difficult to beat.”
Redknapp added: “When they went to 10 men we couldn’t have been more open. We were as open as a barn door going for it.”

Fergie Backs Howard Webb

 Sir Alex Ferguson has no doubt in his mind that referee Howard Webb got both crucial decisions correct as Manchester United beat Liverpool on Sunday. The United chief spoke out following his side's narrow 1-0 win, a game which had the Liverpool camp in uproar because of a penalty awarded after just a few seconds of the game starting and the sending off of Steve Gerard for a two footed lunge. "It was a penalty," said Sir. "Dimitar says he was definitely clipped. The replay shows he slightly touched him but the momentum is enough to bring the player down. "There is no reason for him to go down anyway. He is not that kind of player. "He is on the by-line, he is in the penalty box. I think it was right. "As for the sending off, there was no doubt. "It was two-footed and he was off the ground. "Steven Gerrard is not that type of player but it was a reckless challenge. I don't think he left the referee with any option."

Kuszczak: I can be Fergie's new No. 1!

Tomasz Kuszczak is determined to prove he can replace Edwin van der Sar as Manchester United's new first-choice goalkeeper.

Van der Sar announced last month that he intends to retire at the end of the season, leaving one of the most demanding jobs in the game up for grabs.
It took Sir Alex Ferguson 11 attempts to find an adequate replacement for Peter Schmeichel when the great Dane left Old Trafford in 1999, leaving the United manager to lament why he did not snap up Van der Sar in the first place as he had intended.
Now Ferguson is facing a similar problem. One potential replacement has already been signed following the arrival of Denmark international Anders Lindegaard from Aalesund and there is plenty of speculation a bigger name could follow, with Germany duo Rene Adler and Manuel Neuer amongst those mentioned, along with Dutch World Cup star Maarten Stekelenburg.
However, Kuszczak believes he provides a much more starightforward solution to Ferguson's goalkeeping dilemma, and after starting United's past three games in a row - the first time he has done so in 12 months - the Polish custodian says he has what it takes to be United's new No. 1.
"Every game is massive for me,'' Kuszczak said. "I want to show that I can take over from Edwin. For us young players, we have to be ready. When we play, we must play very well.''
Kuszczak can certainly be satisfied with the part he has played in three successive wins, which have cemented United's position at the top of the Premier League, while also booking an FA Cup fourth-round meeting with Southampton in three weeks' time - a game in which he is almost certain to feature.
"There has been all this speculation about my future but I am hopeful I can play more,'' Kuszczak said. "There has always been competition for this club and there always will be.
"This is how football works. I intend to do well all the time when I get a chance to play. That is what would give me a future at United.''

By ESPNsoccernet staff

60M for Vidic, Gerrard and Hernandez Madrid?

Not for the first time, Real Madrid are rumoured to be lining up an audacious swoop for some of the Premiership’s top players. Jose Mourinho is said to be lining up summer moves for Manchester United pair Nemanja Vidic and Javier Hernandez, and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard.
Of course, Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish will be all too aware of the consequences for their respective sides should Madrid be successful in their pursuit, although it has to be said that this is not the first time these three players have been linked with a move to the Spanish capital.
Gerrard and Vidic were courted by Real last summer, and Hernandez’s impressive start to his United career has also caught the eye of Madrid chairman, Florentino Perez. Unfortunately for the English clubs, when los Bandidos from Madrid set their sights on a player, they almost always get their man.
However, if Madrid’s scouts were watching the FA Cup tie yesterday, they must have been disappointed: Vidic didn’t play, Hernandez was a peripheral figure, and Gerrard got himself sent off! Nevertheless, Real are willing to offer £20m for each player, and will no doubt be their usual arrogant selves in assuming Liverpool and United will find their advances impossible to turn down.
Should they be confident?

Well, as far as Hernandez goes, probably not. This is only his first season in the top flight, and although talented he is still far from the finished article. Moreover, he seems genuinely delighted to be playing in the Premiership, rather than seeing it as a mere stepping stone to a future in La Liga.
Yet can we be so certain about Vidic and Gerrard? The two club captains should be the last players likely to leave, but it’s no secret that Vidic’s wife has wanted him to move to Spain for years now, and although he recently signed a new contract at Old Trafford, he could still be tempted by the promise of a new challenge and a bit of peace from Mrs Vidic.
United wouldn’t give him up easily, but a cash plus Pepe swap deal might just make them think.
As for Gerrard, we know that Mourinho is a huge admirer, having tried to sign him last summer for Madrid and in 2004 for Chelsea. Jose is keen to bolster his midfield owing to Fernando Gago’s continued problems with injuries, and the inconsistency of the two Diarras, Mahamadou and Lassana.
Of course, Gerrard is committed to his club, but times are changing at Anfield. Former talisman Fernando Torres is almost certainly on his way out, and the club will undergo an extensive rebuilding process which could mean years without challenging for a trophy.
A move to Real Madrid, the chance to link up with former midfield foil Xabi Alonso, to be managed by the only man who ever made him think seriously about leaving Liverpool… all this is not to be taken lightly, and Gerrard may have a tough decision to make come June: to be part of shaping his club’s future, or to be part of another generation of Galacticos?
That could be two targets out of three for Real… and they’ll be prepared to wait for Hernandez, too.

CAVANI MOVE TALK REJECTED

Edinson Cavani's agent has rejected rumours linking the Napoli star with a big-money move away from the club.
Recent reports have suggested Chelsea are lining up a move for the Uruguayan following his stunning hat-trick against Juventus at the weekend.
Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Cavani in the past, but the player's agent, Claudio Anellucci, insists there is nothing in the rumours and that the South American is happy in Naples.
"The market offers? Everything is ridiculous," Anellucci told Radio Kiss Kiss.
"These rumours, in addition to being absolutely groundless, are useful only to destabilise the player and the environment.
"Cavani, I repeat, wants Napoli and Napoli want Cavani. Nothing more."
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis claims he would turn down a bid worth 50million euros for Cavani.
De Laurentiis is keen to keep Cavani and has no plans to sell him whatever offers come in for him
"I wouldn't even sell him for €50m," said De Laurentiis. "I would say 'no' if Manchester City wanted him."

Pogba gets United youngsters going

Manchester United’s youngsters followed the seniors’ lead with 3-2 victory over Portsmouth in the FA Youth Cup third round.

After Sunday’s FA Cup win over Liverpool, the Reds’ kids were on song in a competition in which they have enjoyed little success since defeating Middlesbrough in the 2003 final.

United may have claimed the prize of a fourth-round trip to West Ham United on Wednesday week, but it could have been different had Pompey made the most of two early chances at Moss Lane.

The Reds slowly took control and once Paul Pogba had lashed home the opener from 25 yards in the 29th minute their passage to next round looked assured.

Pompey keeper Tom Fry helped Larnell Cole’s corner into the net for United’s second in the 59th minute and William Keane added the third two minutes later. Ryan Williams grabbed two late Pompey goals.

UNITED: Johnstone, M Keane (Lingard 76), Blackett, Thorpe, Fornasier (Massacci 76), Tunnicliffe, Cole (Fryers 76), Pogba, Cofie, W Keane, van Velzen. Subs: Jacob (Gk), Hendrie

Clubs line up for Brown swoop?

 Wes Brown is on the wanted list of a group of Premier League clubs looking to boost their defences this January.

It could mean a temporary or permanent departure from United for the Mancunian.

Potential employers have been monitoring the 31-year-old’s lack of first-team opportunities with the Reds this season.

The Longsight-born player can operate at right-back or    central defence and Tottenham, Sunderland, Blackburn, Everton, Birmingham and Newcastle are keeping tabs on him.

Brown broke into Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad as a teenager in 1998 but appears to have fallen out of favour this campaign.

He has started just five matches and two of those were as an experienced head in under-strength Carling Cup teams against Scunthorpe United and Wolves.

The only time his name has been on Fergie’s starting team sheet for a Premier League match was in the November home fixture against Wolves and his last appearance was as a sub in the 4-0 Carling Cup defeat  West Ham at Upton Park last month.

For a man who was a strong candidate for a place in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad in South Africa before breaking a bone  in his foot last March, his current United status represents the kind dramatic fall from grace that must be hard to stomach.

Vidic warning for United's title rivals

Nemanja Vidic has warned Manchester United's Premier League rivals that the Reds are just about to hit form.

There have been highlights for Sir Alex Ferguson's men - chiefly the seven-goal mauling of Blackburn in November, a thrilling win over Liverpool and a disciplined display against Arsenal.

But most results this term have been ground out, with valuable points gained at Sunderland and Aston Villa, plus a scrambling success at West Brom on New Year's Day compensating for late disappointments at Fulham, Everton and Birmingham.

However, as they approach Sunday's eagerly-awaited trip to Tottenham, United remain unbeaten, knowing they will have to lose twice for nearest challengers Manchester City and Arsenal to muscle their way back into contention.

Little wonder there is a growing feeling at Old Trafford that this could be the season when Sir Alex Ferguson's side register that record 19th league title.

"We definitely have a positive feeling," Vidic told Inside United.

"We know that up until the win over Blackburn we hadn't performed as well as we can.

"But from my experience, this sort of time is when we usually come into good form.

"We all want to win the trophy. Last season was very disappointing.

"We just need to keep pushing hard and playing well. If we do that, we have a good chance of regaining it."

There may still be doubt over whether the Serbian will be facing United old-boy David Beckham at White Hart Lane this weekend, but he accepts it will be a tough challenge against one of the most improved sides in what he insists is a tougher league than ever before.

"The quality has improved," he said.

"We saw last season how competitive the league is and it's been even more so this year.

"Sides such as Tottenham and Manchester City have raised their games, whilst other teams understand they have to improve if they want to stay in the league because it is so competitive. They have done that.

"It is a physically strong league and players have raised their game in that way too."

Dzeko fires United jibe

 Edin Dzeko eased his giant frame into the Manchester City dressing room - and immediately started winding up the men from Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old professed not to know too much about the rivalry between City and United. If that is true, the fur will really start flying when he does, because within two minutes of the start of a press conference to confirm his £27million arrival from Wolfsburg, City's newest recruit hit the rawest of United nerves.
"I decided to come here because I saw something else in Manchester City," he said. "It is a big club with big ambition and I am an ambitious player. I have also heard that most of the people from Manchester are Manchester City fans."
The issue over who is the best-supported team in Manchester has often been debated, which is when the global nature of United's fan-base tends to be brought up.
City fans will certainly revel in Dzeko's words, which will ensure the Bosnian gets a pretty warm reception on Saturday, when he is expected to be on the bench at worst for the Barclays Premier League encounter with Wolves at Eastlands.
"I don't know how the Bundesliga compares to the Premier League," said Dzeko. "I have never played in England. But I hope to do so next Saturday. I hope that will be my first game."
Dzeko was one of the major influences behind Wolfsburg's surprise title triumph in 2009 and last term, having scored twice in two Champions League meetings with Manchester United, he finished top of the German goalscoring charts.
"I was at Wolfsburg for three and a half years," he said. "It was a very beautiful time for me and I had a lot of success. I was very happy there, but I needed to change. I needed to try something new, something better. That is why I am here at Manchester City."
"I hope I am suited to being here. I need to work hard. That is the only way to have success.

"I will do my best because I want to show the people I am worth the money that Manchester City paid for me."

BECKHAM WON`T FACE MAN UTD

Harry Redknapp has confirmed David Beckham will not face his former club Manchester United even if he does sign for Tottenham this week.

Beckham is currently training with Spurs as the Premier League title hopefuls try to sign the midfielder on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.

Spurs want the 35-year-old on a short-term arrangement, but as things stand, Beckham will only be at the club to train until February 10, with Los Angeles said to be concerned over insurance issues should their midfielder suffer another injury like he did when on loan at AC Milan ahead of the World Cup.

A deal could eventually be reached later this week ahead of leaders United's visit to White Hart Lane on Sunday.

However, Redknapp admits Beckham's fitness is not yet up to scratch and he will not pick the ex-England captain to face his old club.

"Manchester United this Sunday would be a non-starter even if he does sign," said Redknapp in The Sun.

"He is not fit to play yet and he knows that. It's going to take him a few weeks to get back to anywhere near the fitness levels he's used to."

Beckham has slotted into training easily with the Spurs squad and Redknapp is keen to have the player's experience at his disposal.

He added: "You cannot beat experience and David has it in bucket loads.

"No matter how well you are playing, when you are going into the second half of the season and have Champions League football as well as the Premier League, it's what you need."

Craig Gordon to Man United?

Yesterday I wrote how Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler all but issued a come and get me plead to Manchester United over the weekend. Adler contract is up in 18 months and he would want to move to Old Trafford this summer.
That deal makes sense on several levels. United have a need, Adler has the talent and interest to play for United, and his contract has a Man United clause in it. He fits United’s target player as far as age and price are concerned.
So imagine my confusion when I read in the Sunderland Echo that United are after Graig Gordon. Gordon cost Sunderland £9m, a British transfer record for a goalkeeper, when they bought him in 2007. Sunderland will want to make a profit on Gordon so they will be looking for around £15m for him.
I like Craig Gordon. He is a good goalkeeper. But he is not as good as Rene Adler (or other United targets Manuel Neuer or David de Gea). If United are going to spend £15m on a goalkeeper I would rather they sign one of the three foreign targets than Gordon.
What do you think? Is Craig Gordon the best choice to be United’s next #1? Or would you rather see someone else?

Article by David Man United fans!

Gary Neville Red Legend

2011 looks like it will be the year that Gary Nevile finally hangs up his boots. Unfortunately his retirement will be one which the majority of United fans will agree with. Neville has not been the same player since his injury in March 2007 however it’s important to look back on his career as a whole when judging him.

Neville made his debut in 1992 in a UEFA Cup game against Torpedo Moscow and has made 602 appearances in total for the club. While Neville has been ridiculed for many years by opposing fans he has to be considered as the stand-out right back of his generation in Premier League football.

He burst onto the scene along with his fellow fledglings Beckham, Scholes, Butt and brother Phil in the mid-nineties and made his international debut in ‘95 in a friendly against Japan. Neville went on to establish himself as England’s first choice right back over the next decade amassing 85 caps and was his countries youngest first-choice player at Euro ‘96.

Neville will be remembered for the partnership he had with David Beckham down United’s right flank. When both Beckham and Neville were firing on all cylinders, the sight of the two of them bombing down the wing was poetry in motion. While Beckham has been heralded as the best crosser of the ball in world football Neville was never too far behind his team-mate in this regard and contributed a huge number of assists down the years.

Neville enjoyed great success from the mid-nineties to the mid-noughties winning multiple league titles and FA Cups and of course the Champions League on that famous night in Barcelona in 1999.

Disaster ultimately struck for Neville in March 2007 against Bolton Wanderers when he suffered an ankle injury which ruled him out for the next 12 months. Neville returned in April 2008 in the Champions League home tie against Roma. United went all the way to the Champions League final in Moscow where they beat Chelsea on penalties. Unfortunately for Neville there was no place in the matchday squad for him.

The following season was not much better for United’s captain, there were always fears that he would not reach the standards he had set before his injury and these fears seemed to be confirmed in November 2008 when United lost 2-1 at the emirates to two Samir Nasri goals. Neville looked desperately uncomfortable trying to contain the Frenchman and was eventually replaced by Rafael.

It has been all down hill since for Neville. His contract expires at the end of this season and based on his performances this season you can’t see any way that Fergie could possibly renew it. It is important that Neville remains at Old Trafford in some capacity though. His experience is invaluable and he breathes Manchester United.

First and foremost Gary Neville is Man Utd’s number 1 fan and this was probably summed up best when John O’Shea was interviewed after scoring a last minute winner at Anfield: “The 90th minute at Anfield, in front of the Kop . . . Gary Neville’s just told me that is his dream and I’ve just gone and done it!” Neville has often found himself in hot-water down the years. While his run down the touch-line to celebrate Rio’s last-minute winner in front of Liverpool’s fans and his gesture to Carlos Tevez in the Carling Cup Semi-Final have led to disciplinary hearings they are incidents that United fans will always look back fondly on.

602 Appearances, 7 goals, 9 league titles, 3 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, 1 FIFA World Club Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup. Gary Neville has been a massive part of Manchester United’s history and truly deserves the title Red Legend.

Dimi the Sharpshooter

Name: Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov
Mostly known as Dimitar Berbatov or just Berbatov. In his country he is Mitko Berbatov. Some fans also call him “Berbo” and “Berba”.
Nationality: Bulgarian
Born in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Age: 27
Born 30th January 1981
Club: Manchester United
Berbatov is in Man Utd from 1st of September 2008, playing as striker and wearing the Number 9 shirt.
Former clubs and achievements:
- CSKA Sofia / Bulgaria / A Grupa (1999–2001) – 25 goals in 50 matches;
- Bayer Leverkusen / Germany / Bundesliga (2001–2006) – 69 goals in 154 matches;

- Tottenham Hotspur / England / Premier League (2006–2008) – 27 goals in 70 matches.
- Dimitar Berbatov is playing for the National team of Bulgaria since 1999. He has scored 48 goals in 77 matches – even more than the legendary footballer Hristo Stoichkov.
- Berbatov was awarded for “Bulgarian Footballer of the Year” 4 times – 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007.
- Berbatov, together with his team-mate (and very good friend) Robbie Keane, were named as winners of the “Premier League Player of the Month” at April 2007.
- Berbatov won the prize “Tottenham Hotspur player of the season” for the season 2006–2007.
- Berbatov was included in the FA Premier League’s PFA Team of the Season 2006-2007.
- with the team of Tottenham Hotspur Berbatov won the Football League Cup (aka FA CUP). The match was against Chelsea, played on the mythical Wembley at 24th February 2008. Dimitar scored an penalty for the final 2:1.

STATISTICS
2006/2007, Tottenham Hotspur
Games Started: 43 (+6 as sub); Goals: 23; Assists: 15
2007/2008, Tottenham Hotspur
Games Started: 42 (+4 as sub); Goals: 22; Assists: 13
2008/2009, Manchester United
Games Started: 36 (+7 as sub); Goals: 14; Assists: 9
2009/2010, Manchester United
Games Started: 29 (+14 as sub); Goals: 12; Assists: 6
1999–2010, The National team of BULGARIA
Games: 77; Goals: 48
—
the berbatov’s biography is still not completed. please be patient & stay tuned!

United Goalkeeper Rumours

Manchester United have targeted a shock swoop for Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar as a replacement for retiring Edwin van der Sar, according to The Sun.

Cesar, who won the Champions League with Inter last season, has added further weight to the rumours by admitting his admiration for football in England.
Manchester United’s current stopper van der Sar has revealed he is retiring at the end of the season and, despite bringing in Denmark’s Anders Lindegaard this month, Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for a world class player to take over from his experienced Dutchman.
The likes of Manuel Neuer and David de Gea have both been linked with a move to Old Trafford but no offer from Manchester United has materialised as of yet.
Cesar has established himself as Brazil’s No.1 keeper since Dida retired and was voted Champions League and Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year last season after being an integral part of Inter’s treble winning team.
Due to Cesar’s age he is expected to be a cheaper option than most and Manchester United will be hoping to capture their man for around £7 million.
The 31-year-old said: “England is sensational for football because of the atmosphere and fans' passion.”