Berbatov explains United snub

Dimitar Berbatov has revealed Manchester United tried to hijack his move to Tottenham.

Dimitar Berbatov has revealed Manchester United tried to hijack his move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Bulgarian striker joined Spurs in a £10.8 million switch from Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the summer and has looked sharp in pre-season.

But he also had the option of a transfer to Old Trafford, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson having been planning for life after Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The delay in shipping out the Dutch hot shot to Real Madrid cost The Red Devils the chance to persuade Berbatov to snub Tottenham.

Even so, the powerful front man admits White Hart Lane would still have been his likely destination due to Spurs' persistence to sign him.

"When I had only scored six goals in my first season in the Bundesliga, Spurs came and said they liked me and wanted to buy me, but Leverkusen said no," explained Berbatov.

"So I stayed there, but Tottenham were always in contact with the club and said they still wanted me whatever happened.

"I scored 21 goals and Leverkusen raised the price, but Tottenham said 'okay, we will pay it'. Spurs had a long-standing interest.

"They can buy whoever they want, but they wanted to buy me and I appreciated that.

"It is correct Manchester United wanted to buy me. As a matter of fact I spoke with one of the managers at Manchester United.

"They had a problem with van Nistelrooy, but I could not wait so long, so I said no.

"I cannot remember exactly when they contacted me, but it was at the end of the season some time.

"But Spurs were with me the whole time and sometimes that is more important."