Berbatov doubtful for return to White Hart Lane
Berbatov unlikely to be fit to face former Tottenham team-mates
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Friday, 12, Dec 2008 10:17
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov looks unlikely to be fit to face his former Tottenham Hotspur team-mates, it has emerged.
The Bulgarian moved to the Premier League champions on September 1st for a fee of £30.75 million after a protracted transfer saga, with Fraizer Campbell joining the north London side on a season-long loan as part of the deal.
A frosty reception would have been expected for Berbatov on his return to White Hart Lane, with his desire to join United becoming evident as the 2008/09 season began.
The striker's apparent negative influence on the dressing room developed to the extent that former manager Juande Ramos dropped him from the Spurs side for games against Sunderland and Chelsea due to his "frame of mind".
But wit the 27-year-old suffering with an Achilles injury, he is unlikely to feature for the Old Trafford outfit as they journey to London for the 17:30 GMT kick-off.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp admitted that home fans unhappy at the manner of Berbatov's exit were likely to make their feelings known should their former favourite appear.
[Dimitar] Berbatov might get some stick but he won't get the type of abuse Sol [Campbell] got [at Fratton Park], which was definitely out of order," he explained.
"What happened with the small section at Portsmouth was not about booing or cheering a player - that was different.
"Getting stick is part of the game. You leave a club and you get a bit of grief or abuse when you go back. We accept that, and it happens. As long as it's not racist abuse or anything they're entitled to shout, jeer or boo or whatever they want to do."
Sir Alex Ferguson's side has a lengthy injury list for their trip to Tottenham, with Berbatov, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick all doubtful.
Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are also suspended, raising Spurs' hopes of achieving their first win against United in 15 league games.