Sir Alex Ferguson Braces Fans For Manchester United's 'New Berbatov'

As Sir Alex Ferguson begins to embrace the prospect of winning a very unique fourth Premier League title in a row, the boss has claimed that the public should ready themselves for a more confident Dimitar Berbatov.

Having shrewdly snapped up Michael Owen on a free transfer during the summer window, Fergie faces the task of picking a striking pair out of a possible three: Berbatov, Owen and, of course, Wayne Rooney.

With Rooney being continually tipped as the gaffer's top pick and Owen playing exceedingly well during United's pre-season friendlies, Sir Alex is aware that he must be careful with his squad rotation so as to get the best out of Berbatov, who has been struggling for confidence since his move to the club from Tottenham Hotspur last year.

"I've never met a player who has not been affected by a lack of confidence at times, even Eric Cantona," The Daily Mail quote Ferguson as saying.

"Strikers are the worst. They feel that only scoring goals counts for them because that is what they are judged on.

"But we were a bit unfair to [Berbatov] last season because we asked him to play too deep. We thought that suited him because of how he played at Spurs, but we were wrong.

"We realise now he is at his best in the final third of the pitch, where he's a real threat. We know how to use him this season and he won't change from that."