Berbatov ready to rise to United challenge

Striker Dimitar Berbatov has vowed to repay the faith of Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson after his protracted €38m transfer from Tottenham Hotspur FC was completed just before Monday's deadline. "I understand that he and the fans have great expectations of me and I will do my best to prove them right," he said.

'Dream is a reality'
International commitments will put back the 27-year-old's United debut, but speaking in Sofia ahead of Bulgaria's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Montenegro on Saturday, he said he was delighted and relieved to have finally made the move. "It was a dream come true," he said. "I am very, very happy to have become a Manchester United player. Everything is over and I'm looking forward to making my debut for the club. I had a dream of playing at the highest possible level and now this dream is a reality. I would like to thank Tottenham for giving me the chance to play in the Premiership. I will always be grateful to the club."

'The manager was great'
Berbatov also confirmed that Manchester City FC had attempted to hijack the switch at the last minute and that he had received a call expressing their interest as he was being driven by Sir Alex from Manchester airport to United's training base to tie up the deal. "I respect City's interest, but I had already made up my mind and my wish was clear – I wanted to join Manchester United. I was really impressed with Sir Alex Ferguson's attitude towards me. Everyone knows what he is like as a manager. I saw him as a person as well and he was great."

Scoring record
Berbatov started his career with PFC CSKA Sofia before signing for Bayer 04 Leverkusen midway through the 2000/01 season. Tottenham brought him to England in 2006 and were rewarded with 27 goals in 70 Premier League games. Berbatov was also on target in Tottenham's League Cup victory against Chelsea FC last term, but after joining the UEFA Champions League holders his sights are set much higher. "The aims of the club are clear – we must win every possible trophy. This is the best club in the world and the current European champions. The best players in the world are at Old Traford – the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tévez and many more. I'm looking forward to playing alongside them."

World Cup goal
Before his likely United debut against Liverpool FC – and former Spurs team-mate Robbie Keane – on 13 September, Berbatov will play for Bulgaria against Group 8 rivals Montenegro this weekend. "Our aim is to reach the World Cup finals," said Berbatov, who has scored 41 goals in 64 appearances for his country. "Our group is very tough. We have to play the world champions Italy and the Republic of Ireland, but we will do our best and be one of the teams in the finals in two years' time."