But Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Dimitar Berbatov to accept he is still playing second fiddle to Javier Hernandez at Manchester United.
Berbatov spent most of the second half of last season stuck on the sidelines following the emergence of Mexican Hernandez, whose blistering form helped United land a record 19th title.
Former Tottenham and Bulgaria striker Berbatov’s humiliation was complete when Ferguson axed him from his squad altogether for the Champions League final against Barcelona.
Berbatov watched the 3-1 defeat from the Wembley dressing room after refusing to sit on the bench and stormed off afterwards without speaking to anyone.
The snub increased speculation he would leave this summer in search of regular first-team football. He was linked with AC Milan and Marseille, while United were tempted to use him as bait in a deal to lure Luka Modric from Spurs.
They all understand it’s the squad that wins the games, wins the cups
However, there have been no bids for Berbatov, who says that he wants to remain with the champions and prove he can still be an integral part of Ferguson’s plans.
Ferguson says he has no problem with Berbatov, who was joint winner of the Golden Boot last season, and believes he will rise to the challenge set down by ‘Little Pea’ Hernandez.
But Ferguson has options galore in attack, including Hernandez, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck and says there will be no guarantees for Berbatov.
He said: “The situation was straight-forward. Chicharito [Hernandez] hit such good form that you had to put him in in every game because he added so much in terms of threatening defenders. It was unfortunate for Berbatov. but it didn’t make him a bad player.
“He has been brilliant, first-class. His training has been terrific and he’s a good type of person. A nice guy.”
Ferguson has told Berbatov to get used to being a squad player, adding: “I’d understand [if he wanted to leave] but you could say that about them all.
“They all understand it’s the squad that wins the games, wins the cups and my squad will be used in exactly the same way.
“There were seven or eight players who were disappointed not being involved in the Champions League final. But Dimi will be all right.”