Gill never doubted Berba move

United chief delighted to bring in striker

Last updated: 2nd September 2008

man utd david gill

Gill: Always confident

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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has revealed he never feared losing Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester City.

City, helped by the financial clout of new owners the Abu Dhabi United Group, tried to gazump United's move for Berbatov by having a bid accepted by Tottenham for the Bulgarian.

However, United won the battle for Berbatov's signature and Gill said he was never worried about United's neighbours beating them to the punch.

When asked if he was concerned about the deal to bring Berbatov would not happen, Gill told MUTV: "Not really.

"Obviously our interest has been well trawled in the newspapers throughout the summer but the very fact that it goes to the last minute is always a worry.

"But I always thought it would happen. Spurs wanted to sell and the player wanted to come to us so we were confident.

Snag

"The snag was Spurs needed a replacement and, ultimately, Fraizer Campbell has agreed to go there on loan.

"I think it [City's bid] was a surprise because of the very fact that the takeover only happened yesterday and released those funds which clearly meant they were pretty active.

"But worried? Not really. The fact is the player has been clear throughout the summer in the media that he wanted to leave Tottenham to join Manchester United for playing ambitions, he wanted the Champions League straight away and come to a club challenging for trophies.

"Whilst City were putting in a bid more than we were willing to spend, the very fact the player indicated his first port of call was United meant we were pretty relaxed about it.

"I met him for the first time last night and he's a pleasant young man who is delighted to be coming here to challenge for honours on all fronts, domestic and European.

"The uncertainty over his future has been a worry for him but the very fact it's all sorted out for him, Manchester United and Tottenham is great news."