United crank up Van Persie interest as Sir Alex admits Berbatov is off

Manchester United will intensify efforts to prise Robin van Persie from Arsenal, after Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he is willing to let Dimitar Berbatov go. 

Wantaway Berbatov set up Federico Macheda for the only goal of United’s opening South Africa tour game against Amazulu. 

Meanwhile, reports in Italy, claimed that United have had a bid for the Dutchman rejected by Arsenal.

In and out: Dimitar Berbatov's Manchester United future looks increasingly uncertain, while Robin van Persie is wanted by Sir Alex Ferguson

 

Van Persie is in danger of pricing himself out of a move to Juventus after the Turin giants switched their attention to Stevan Jovetic. 

The Fiorentina forward could cost Juve £23million. Van Persie, 29 next month, has rejected Arsenal’s offer of £130,000 a week and Juve know they can secure Jovetic, 22, for £45,000 a week.

Manchester City have been favourites to strike a deal for Van Persie.

Ferguson’s only comment was on Berbatov’s desire to leave Old Trafford, possibly moving to Galatasaray for £5million or even returning to Tottenham.

'I do not need to herald the abilities of Dimitar Berbatov, he is a fantastic talent,' said Ferguson. 'Last season he didn't quite get the amount of football he wants. At his age, it was difficult for him to accept his position in the forward line.

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'He had Rooney, Welbeck and Hernandez in front of him, and they are all young men. The boy has a future, but if he wants to leave it is a different matter.

'I am easy about it if he stays. I would be happy with that. But if someone comes in and Dimitar wants to leave, we will assess it.'

Berbatov released a statement on his Facebook site last week revealing his frustrations at a summer of speculation.

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It said: ‘I am tired of speculation,’ he said on his Facebook page.

‘I read the papers and I see they say £10million is my price. I go and talk with Sir Alex, and he says to me £5m. 

‘So who is telling the truth?  I love this club, but I’m not going to be useful to anyone if I am not playing.

‘I want to play, I want to help. But for unknown reasons it’s not going to happen or my chances will be limited, so it’s better for everyone if we say goodbye.

‘If not, I am professional and I will keep doing everything I can to help my team and my  team-mates, whenever I have the opportunity to do so.’

Emil Dantchev, his agent, said on Tuesday: ‘Dimitar likes Serie A and would be happy to discuss a move [to AC Milan].’

He only played 21 times for United last season as he was overlooked in favour of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez as Wayne Rooney's strike partner.