Berbatov ruled out of clash

Berbatov out with virus while Rooney a doubt for Osaka clash

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 17th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Berbatov ruled out of clash

Berbatov: Hit by virus

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Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has been ruled out of Thursday's match with Gamba Osaka with Wayne Rooney also a doubt.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men could be without Rooney, who suffered an injury during training, while Dimitar Berbatov hasn't trained since the squad arrived after picking up a virus on the plane journey over.

With Rooney struggling to be fit Ferguson has confirmed that veteran trio Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes will all feature on Thursday.

United travelled to Japan to compete in the controversial tournament where they are determined to become the first English club to win the competition.

"Berbatov won't play on Thursday. He has been ill since we arrived after picking up a virus, he is not well at the moment," Ferguson said.

"Rooney was injured in training on Tuesday but we hope he will be fit. Other than that everyone else is fit.

"Giggs, Neville and Scholes will all play. They have played a lot of big games and their experience will be vital."

Depth

With a strong squad of 23 players to choose from for the two game tournament and with the title of the worlds best team to play for Ferguson knows how hard it will be to tell the players who will not be selected.

"It is our best squad in my time at Manchester United," adds the United boss.

"We have 23 players here and only one lacks experience, and that's goalkeeper Ben Amos (called in as Ben Foster's replacement).

"The rest are high quality and mostly international players. It is difficult because I have to manage those players.

"To put an international in the stands can be regarded as an insult and for me it is embarrassing to ask a top player not to play."

Despite the criticism that the Fifa organised tournament has received for falling in the middle of the Premier League season Ferguson has again defended his side's trip to Japan.

"The criticism is unfortunate," he adds "The most important thing for us is that we can win something in December and that will be a great mid-season boost."