Not playing is painful - Berbatov

The Bulgarian has made just 10 league appearances so far this season, only half of which were starting spots, but was not even on the bench for the win over former club Tottenham a week ago. It is not quite how Berbatov thought his career would pan out when he joined United from Spurs for a club record ?30.75million in 2008.

He told United Review: "It's just about being ready. We have a big squad and you know sometimes you are not going to play. It's sad and it's painful but you need to be strong and be prepared for when your team-mates need your help. We are a team and we want to win together."

Despite his lack of appearances, Berbatov is still United's joint third top scorer with an overall tally of nine.

That figures includes five in two games against Wigan and Blackburn just after Christmas.

"Every time I have played I think I have done well," he said. "I'm ready and waiting whenever the boss gives me a chance to show my quality and deliver.

"I want to do as much as I can to help us win the title."

Berbatov will be hoping for some involvement in Sunday's Old Trafford encounter with West Brom.

Leaders Manchester City play at Swansea at the same time and Sir Alex Ferguson has already noted Blues boss Roberto Mancini getting involved in the mind games he has been so adept at playing, the Italian claiming last week that United would win at Tottenham a day before the match was played.

Ferguson said: "We were better in the second half and ran out winners - just as Roberto Mancini said we would.....welcome to the mind games Roberto, by the way!"

Source: PA

Source: PA