Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has once again defended Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov after a deluge of criticism from fans and media that he is overrated and a waste of transfer funds.

Some Bulgarian fans have also accused him of only playing well for his club, never for his country. Last year, before Bulgaria’s 6-1 destruction by Serbia, former Bulgarian international Yordan Lechkov had alleged that whenever Berbatov plays for United he covers, on average, about seven to eight km per game. When playing for Bulgaria, on the other hand, according to Lechkov, he can barely manage 1500m of ‘running’.
 
Nevertheless, Ferguson has always defended his asset staunchly, dismissing such accusations as mere media hype. In the wake of growing criticism of the 30.75 million pound striker, Ferguson has once again lavished praise on the Bulgarian. 
 
"Berbatov is a fantastic link between the midfield and attack. He has that sense of space and senses this space in the last third," Ferguson told France Footbal, as quoted by the UK’s Daily Mail. "Also, he's 6ft 2in. We needed someone of that height alongside (Carlos) Tevez and (Wayne) Rooney. You cannot rest on your laurels."
 
Berbatov has scored just nine Premier League goals since his big money move to Old Trafford and hasn't scored in the Champions League since October.
 
But Ferguson praised the 28-year-old's contribution this season as United bid to retain their Premier League and Champions League titles, claiming the Bulgarian is a valuable and indispensable asset to the club.