Berbatov may need surgery

(GSM) – Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Dimitar Berbatov may have to undergo an operation on his knee. Berbatov could face an extended spell on the sidelines.

Berbatov was not named in the squad as Manchester United drew 1-1 at Birmingham in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and Ferguson says the striker could stay on the injury list for a while.

“Dimitar wanted to play with it but we felt we should try to get it (the knee) sorted and get him fit again,” Ferguson said. “He may have to have an exploratory operation.”

In Berbatov’s absence, Mame Biram Diouf made his debut for the club as an 81st minute substitute but, with Darren Fletcher having been shown a red car.

Ferguson admits it was difficult for the 22-year-old as Wayne Rooney dropped back into midfield.

“I’d hoped to put Diouf up front with Wayne,” he said. “We know he can play alongside someone but to play on his own in his first game was difficult for him.”