Dimitar Berbatov believes, after making what he described as an "awesome" start to the season with Manchester United, that he is benefiting from extra fitness work over the summer.

The striker's hat-trick in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford took his goals tally to six from five Premier League games. It included a spectacular overhead kick.

"I'm so happy – so confident," Berbatov said. "I feel like everything I imagine on the pitch will come true and that feels awesome.

"I have worked hard on my fitness, so hard. The way I feel right now, I feel alive. I have always said I am so lucky to play here – for these people, for this manager, for this club, with these players.

"I ran six miles every day during the off season. I watched one World Cup match, went for a run, then watched another and went for another run. This was my routine."

Berbatov's form has been a marked contrast with much of last season, which he ended by going eight games without a goal.

"I wouldn't say I was troubled but I was disappointed with myself that I could not please all the supporters," he said. "I have said before, the people of Manchester United are the judges and that is the way it should be. It is their team. I am a guest, a privileged guest."