Berbatov joins United's title parade despite snub

Posted Tuesday, May 31, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov was part of the club's Premier League trophy parade on Monday just 48 hours after being left out of his side's Champions League final squad.

Berbatov didn't even make the substitutes' bench for Saturday's 3-1 defeat against Barcelona at Wembley and was reported to have stormed away from the stadium before kick-off.

United denied those suggestions but the selection snub still raised huge question marks about the Bulgarian's relationship with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Berbatov, 30, was among the squad that assembled at Manchester Arena on Monday for an open-topped bus journey from the city centre to Old Trafford, although speculation over his future is sure to continue.

In keeping with the mood of gloom that followed Saturday's defeat, rain poured as United made their way through the city.

Along with Berbatov, Paul Scholes and Michael Owen were also present despite huge uncertainty over their futures.

Scholes, who is believed to be considering retirement, was giving little away about his future as he looked forward to a summer break.

"Reaching 19 titles is not something you ever think about. All you want to do is win something," Scholes said.

"To go on like we have done is a great achievement. Now we want to stretch our lead even more.

"The challenge will always be to get the next one. This one is out of the way now. We will celebrate it today, have a nice summer, then think about winning the next one."

Meanwhile, Patrice Evra wants to chance to tackle Barcelona again in next year's Champions League final.

After suffering their second final defeat against Barca in three seasons, United could be forgiven for wanting to avoid the Catalans for a little while.

But, rather than be fearful, French left-back Evra is already steeling himself for the challenge of a rematch in Munich 12 months from now.

"Manchester United never die," he told MUTV. "We are not afraid. I want to come back to the final and play against Barcelona again.

"Manchester United had a good season- - not a great season because we didn't win on Saturday night.

"But we have still won the league and we are going to win the league again next year, and make sure we win the Champions League as well."

Owen once again confirmed his desire to remain at Old Trafford and claimed Saturday's defeat should not be allowed to put a dampener on the season as a whole.

"When you start every season the first objective is to win the league," he said.

"What happened at the weekend should not be allowed to detract from that," United's England striker Wayne Rooney refused to be downbeat in the aftermath of Saturday's defeat.

He has already set his sights on winning a 20th league title after securing their record 19th championship this season.

"Winning the league is a massive achievement," he said. "We have to forget about what happened on Saturday and move on.

"The idea now is to win the 20th. We will be fighting hard to make sure we are there again next season."

Meanwhile, United chief executive David Gill expects a busy few weeks as Ferguson tries to refresh his squad with several new signings.

"It will be a busier than usual summer this year," Gill told MUTV. "I will be going away at some point in June and be back for the start of our tour but I will be on with player stuff for the next few weeks I am sure."

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder and Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric have been linked with moves to Old Trafford.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea seems certain to arrive as a replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar, while Lens defender Raphael Varane is also on United's wanted list.