Sir Alex Ferguson believes Dimitar Berbatov will give Manchester United's attack a "new and exciting dimension" this season. With Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined through injury, Ferguson is relieved to have finally recruited Berbatov, whose touch, vision and presence seems likely to complement the more dynamic talents of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
The Bulgarian has been a long-term target of the double-winners, who had an approach rebuffed last season. They reignited their interest this summer, as they looked to complete their striking options up front.
"This is a key signing," said Ferguson after United agreed to pay Tottenham £30.75 million for Berbatov. "Dimitar is one of the best and most exciting strikers in world football. His style and ability will give the team a different dimension and I am sure he will be a popular player with the fans."
Ferguson's personal intervention was understood to have played a crucial role in the dramatic climax to United's long-running pursuit of Berbatov.
The deal was under severe doubt after Tottenham agreed a fee with Manchester City. But Ferguson drove Berbatov away from Manchester airport in his Bentley and eventually ensured the Bulgarian signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford.
"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," said the 27-year-old forward.
"I look forward to playing my part in helping this club win more honours in the years to come."
Berbatov, 27, agreed to a four-year contract with United and Tottenham confirmed the deal on their website 45 minutes after the transfer window shut.
United submitted papers to the Premier League 40 minutes before the midnight deadline. The deal, which will see Fraizer Campbell move in the other direction on a season-long loan, was duly confirmed at 12.40am.
The fee is more than United had originally seemed willing to pay, chiefly because of City's audacious bid to sign the player yesterday afternoon.
Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, had reportedly agreed a deal of £35 million deal with City. But Berbatov's insistence on joining United, and the increased bid from Old Trafford, eventually allowed Ferguson to claim a small victory over City, in what is set to become a long-drawn out war for supremacy between the two clubs.
Spurs were greatly opposed to their approach for their star player and reported Manchester United to the Football Association accusing them of an illegal approach for the 27-year-old. Nevertheless, they remained at the front of the queue to land their man despite fleeting interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
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