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Fergie lauds "superb" Berbatov

22/10/2008

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed the "fantastic" performance of summer signing Dimitar Berbatov was the catalyst for Manchester United's 3-0 win over Celtic.

The reigning European champions looked back to their imperious best at Old Trafford as they eased past the Bhoys, who now face an almighty struggle to progress from the group stage of the Champions League.

And Ferguson, who signed Berbatov for £30.75 million from Tottenham Hotspur on transfer deadline day in September, said the Bulgarian's influence is already showing itself in his team's play.

"It was a fantastic, marvellous performance from Dimitar again," the United supremo said.

"He showed some fantastic pieces of football and I think the other players are beginning to understand what type of player he is.

"He's bringing that composure to the final third of the field and hopefully Dimitar's combination is developing with not only Wayne Rooney but also Carlos Tevez."

Berbatov first caught the eye of several English scouts when playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga before moving to Spurs for £10.9 million in 2006.

His understanding with strike partner Robbie Keane quickly bore fruit for the north Londoners, who won the Carling Cup in Berbatov's second season before he expressed his desire to leave for Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, Ferguson admitted he has been surprised at how quickly the player has settled into life at one of the world's most prestigious clubs.

"You always feel he can produce a pass that means something and his weight of pass on three or four occasions was superb [against Celtic]," Ferguson continued.

"He has got five goals for us already and that is a terrific contribution.

"I was really pleased with our performance. It was a really bad night for Celtic to get us but a good night for us."