Sir Alex Ferguson has provided further evidence that he believes Dimitar Berbatov's future lies away from Manchester United by handing a one-year contract extension to Michael Owen.
The Englishman had been expected to leave Old Trafford when his two-year contract expired this summer on account of starting only one Premier League game last season. Having been chosen ahead of Berbatov for the substitutes' bench in the Champions League final defeat on Saturday, however, Owen has now signed a 12-month extension that is likely to reduce the Bulgarian's opportunities and usher him towards a move.
United's record signing has admitted it was "embarrassing" to be omitted from the squad to face Barcelona at Wembley but has promised to stay and fight for his place. But Berbatov, who cost £30.75m in August 2008, would be one of eight strikers in Ferguson's squad next season – a collection that includes Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernández, Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda, Mame Biram Diouf, Bébé and Owen – and with the possibility of another forward joining this summer, plus the prospect of Ravel Morrison breaking through, this week's developments are ominous for Berbatov's future.
The 30-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, compared with Owen's five in 17 appearances, and finished as the Premier League's joint leading scorer, yet he was unable to convince Ferguson of his worth on the biggest stage.
"It was embarrassing for me that I was not included in the group," Berbatov told the Bulgarian newspaper 24 Chasa. "I was in the dressing room. I watched the final from there. I didn't want people to see the pain in my eyes."
Berbatov's contract expires in 2012 and United have yet to take up an option to extend the deal by 12 months. The striker said: "I will remain at United. I will fight for my place and I will fight for title No20. If I was a man who gave up easily, I would never be here in the first place. Starting 4 July, everything begins all over again – my personal fight to be in the first team, and for United to win more titles."
Handing Owen a 12-month extension may have caused surprise but the former England international is on a heavily incentivised contract. He also offers experience to Ferguson following the retirement of Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville and the United manager has been impressed with his contribution on and off the pitch since joining on a free from Newcastle in 2009.
"Michael has proved to be a top footballer," said Ferguson. "It is unfortunate that he did not get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito [Hernández] put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable. I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give Owen more opportunities in the new season."
Owen, who qualified for his first Premier League title medal this season, said: "To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many passionate supporters is a real inspiration. I can't wait for next season to start."
