Evans backs Berbatov to shine

Dimitar Berbatov is being backed to take Manchester United forward after sealing a £30.5m move from Tottenham.

The Bulgaria striker, 27, could make his debut against fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

Berbatov has arrived at Old Trafford with a growing reputation – and Jonny Evans knows just why.

United’s young Northern Ireland defender has twice faced his new team-mate and twice ended up on the losing side.

Evans, 20, first took on Berbatov back in January when on loan at Sunderland and the result was a 2-0 defeat by Tottenham.

Then 18 days later the pair met again in Belfast with Northern Ireland losing 1-0 to Bulgaria in a friendly.

However it was the match at White Hart Lane that Evans remembers for all the wrong reasons.

“I could not wait for half-time to come as Berbatov was outstanding,” he said. “He is someone who can make a difference to a game.

“Berbatov has a great touch for a big man and is a very good player. I am just glad he is now at United. On the other hand I know I will have to be at my best in training.”

Berbatov’s move to United has considerably raised his profile, especially in Bulgaria, where he is skipper of the national side.

And he found himself having to answer some difficult questions in the wake of their 2-2 draw again Montenegro in a World Cup qualifier at the weekend.

Berbatov failed to score and told Focus News: “What do I care if there is more criticism?

“There will always be situations where I will miss. If I were to score in every situation, I would have arrived at Manchester United five years ago.

“It is normal to have more expectations for me but I am an ordinary person and sometimes I do things wrong.”