Berbatov admits expectation struggles

The stylish Bulgarian became United’s record signing after joining from Spurs in September 2008, but has yet to truly establish himself as a fans’ favourite.

Despite winning the league title in his first season at the club, Berbatov has scored just four goals this season, while his relaxed style of play has attracted plenty of critics amongst the Old Trafford faithful.

The 28-year-old concedes supporters haven’t seen the best of him yet and Berbatov is determined to justify why Sir Alex Ferguson parted with £30.75 million for his services.

“Every person is different in coping with the pressure of the price tag,” he said.

“Every person thinks differently. For me, sometimes it is difficult because people expect so much of me.

“The fans have probably seen glimpses of my best goals, passes and games. I know you need to show that all the time and that’s my main goal – in every game to show my best game.

“But that’s the way it should be because the people here have paid so much money for you.

“I try to give my best for the team to win things. I think I did that in my first season. We won the championship and I think everybody was happy about that.”

Berbatov bagged 55 goals during his two-year spell at White Hart Lane but admits he is delighted to now be plying his trade at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“I’m happy. I love it here. The club are bigger than you think,” he added.

“United are one of the biggest clubs in the world and you are playing with some of the best players in the world.”

The former Bayer Leverkusen goal-getter also lavished praise on Ferguson – who he describes as the perfect manager to learn from and transform him into a better all-round player.

“The manager has so many years in charge of this great club that of course you are going to learn things,” he said.

“If you want to develop, this is the place to be. He is the type of manager who always protects his players.”