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| Dimitar Berbatov has struggled for form this season. |
Berbatov scored just 12 Premier League goals during the campaign and came under-fire for a series of below-par performances. Reports had suggested that United were willing to cut their losses on the £30.75 million Bulgarian, but Ferguson has now insisted that Berbatov remains a key part of his first-team plans.
"No, he will not - definitely not (be sold). There's a problem with Manchester United in terms of expectation and media attention," Ferguson told The Mirror. "There's speculation every year and we've got to live with that hype. We know Dimitar is a good player and he will be with us next year."
Ferguson has already said that he is not anticipating a major overhaul of the playing staff during the summer months as United attempt to re-take the trophy from Chelsea.
"We don't have a great deal to improve on. The one area of concern last season was that we had 16 players missing through injury,'' he added. "That impacts on the stability of the team as the season develops. But we always felt that when our back four was in place there was a sense of purpose and strength."
Ferguson also praised the Glazer family, who own the club, for the constant support despite much criticism.
''They've been great owners,'' he told Toronto radio station FAN 590. ''They have supported me every way I've asked them.
''There's no other reason to think they haven't supported me. If you look at any time I've wanted a player they've provided the money; if you look at what we've done this season - and people don't recognise this - we've spent over £20 million on young players.
''We've bought Chris Smalling, Mame Diouf and Javier Hernandez. People don't realise how we're structured and how we see our future of the club. We've always based it on a nucleus and foundation of young players developing in the club.''
I'm glad Berba won't be leaving, as I find he can be a very very good player and has done some great things for us, but also can't believe what SAF said about the Glazers. Then again, it doesn't surprise me too much because he probably just wants to be wise and keep his job secure, you never know, even with a manager of his stature and all he's done for the club. I do like the fact that we've signed all these youngsters as well, but the fact that Fergie's 'saving them for the future' is very disappointing. We need all we can get now, not later. We also need a player like Milner and get rid of some like Carrick.
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