DIMITAR BERBATOV'S hopes of a move to Manchester United look to be fading after Alex Ferguson said he was "less optimistic" about new signings.
The United manager, who had a €24 million bid for the striker rejected, was uncertain whether he would boost his squad before the transfer window shuts on Monday. "I'm less optimistic so we'll carry on," Ferguson said. "Ive no idea what's going on. It's very hard to get communication with some people in life."
Berbatov has made no secret of his desire to leave White Hart Lane but Tottenham are determined that their €30 million price tag will be met. United are unlikely to be pushed into paying over the odds and Ferguson may be prepared to miss out on Berbatov. With just four days until the transfer deadline expires, Berbatov's future remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the last time Manchester United were in Europe they came back with the Champions League trophy and on one of the supporters' flights home a clutch of Ferguson's grandchildren, aged nine and below, drew a round of applause for regaling the entire plane with a high-pitched song about the way John Terry had "slipped on his bum".
One hundred days after that epic night in Moscow it is fair to say that Ferguson and his players will be viewing tonight's European Super Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg in a very different light.
Ferguson will use the game to "give some minutes" to some of the players who have yet to figure this season. There is, however, another piece of silverware at stake. Ferguson can take his personal trophy count to 42, of which 31 were with United.
