Ferdinand backs 'fantastic' Berbatov

Rio Ferdinand believes it will take another Premier League title for Dimitar Berbatov's contribution to the Manchester United cause to be really appreciated.

Berbatov has not really won over the vast majority of the United support since his club record £30.75million move north from Tottenham at the start of last season.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly launched staunch defences of the Bulgarian, it has not stopped him leaving Berbatov out of a number United's most important games in recent times, including last season's Champions League final, and the trip to AC Milan three weeks ago.

But with Wayne Rooney struggling to be fit for Wednesday's return with David Beckham and company and Michael Owen out for the season, Berbatov could be asked to do the hard yards as the Red Devils lone front-man.

He showed he was up to the task in Saturday's 1-0 win over Wolves.

And Ferdinand recognises it will take more of the same if the United support is to understand why Berbatov's team-mates are already so happy with him.

"If we win the league this year, I think Berba will be appreciated for what he has done," said the 31-year-old.

"When you look at the statistics you can see he is one of the hardest runners in our team and that he covers the most ground.

"He is a bit languid but he really puts the effort in.

"At the training ground, he is always in the gym.

"It's just his style of play, which means people see a different side to him.

"But I don't think that it actually reflects his importance to the team. He is appreciated by us and that is the most important thing."

Certainly there was no glamour attached to his performance at Molineux, just a lot of selfless running to keep the Wolves defence on their toes in a match that could prove pivotal in the title campaign.

"He was fantastic," said Ferdinand.

"He occupied the whole back four, which is all you can ask of a centre-forward, especially when they are up there by themselves. He proved he can be that lone striker if need be."

It was left to the ultimate anti-glamour boy, Paul Scholes, to settle the contest with his 100th Premier League goal 17 minutes from time.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed it was a deserved success. Mick McCarthy's view was that the United boss was looking at the outcome through "rose coloured spectacles".

McCarthy had a point, given Stephen Ward failed to find the net with a free header before half-time and Sam Vokes blazed an even better opportunity over in stoppage time.

"Manchester United are in the Champions League this week and could end up being Premier League winners, and we have matched them," said the Wolves chief.

"I don't think they deserved to beat us at all. But when you have won and you are all pumped up, it is great.

"I have to talk bull because we have lost - but we were excellent."

Wolves now prepare for a vital trip to Burnley at the weekend, while United move on to Wednesday's Milan encounter, looking to hold a 3-2 advantage from the first leg, probably without Rooney, Ryan Giggs and the suspended Michael Carrick.

At least Ferguson has Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic back together again for the first time since October.

It appeared Ferdinand's well-publicised back problems had resurfaced last week before an intended return from a four-match ban against West Ham.

But the 31-year-old revealed he was never that concerned.

"It was kind of half-expected," he said.

"I was told to expect a set-back he during the early stages of my recovery and then is what happened.

"I didn't think it would keep me out for any longer than it did.

"It has been a bit stop-start for me recently but hopefully I can get a run of games and we can have a good end to the season."