FERGIE HOPES BERBATOV WILL GET A LIFT

SIR ALEX FERGUSON thinks the Old Trafford crowd's applause for Dimitar Berbatov will lift his confidence.

The Manchester United manager admitted the £30million signing needs a boost and, after missing a sitter against sorry Portsmouth, he atoned with one of the goals in the 5-0 rout.

Wayne Rooney again got on the scoresheet and Ferguson admitted he thought about leaving him out but finds it difficult to rest the Premier League's leading goalscorer.

"The performance of the team was very good and Rooney is in great form at the moment," said Ferguson.

"We could have rested him, it seemed like a good opportunity because we have other players who are fit and fresh. Mame Biram Diouf is ready and so is Michael Owen, but Rooney is in such exceptional form.

"The second goal was a bit lucky, it deflected past David James but it was the clincher. Luckily for us we went on to score three more after the break. We are playing well.

"Nani beat his man for the second goal, it got a deflection but it's one of those things.

"Dimitar Berbatov scored a magical goal, something special. It was the best goal of the game and he got the applause of the crowd at the end, which will lift his confidence. Maybe he needs that, he's a terrific player."

Avram Grant admitted Pompey's plight is getting him down

"It is not easy, but this is a big challenge, It's a difficult time on the pitch," he conceded.

"As long as we have a chance of staying up we will have a fight. For me, it's a challenge. No one could blame me if I left here one week ago, but it's not my way.

"For 40 minutes we did well, but we conceded a goal from a corner, then they scored goals with deflections.

"There have been a lot of "ifs" this season. This is another.

"Football is a game of goals, we started how we wanted and created two big chances. This is the name of the game in the last three games away from home, we have created the chances.

"I hope the team will be more stable now that the ownership is resolved. It was so uncertain, it was mission impossible, not just with the money.

"It is a club that is unique, all the city is behind the club, it is great. It is good for the Premier League to have the club in the top flight.

"The circumstances here have always been difficult, there has been a storm throughout.

"Even though we are bottom, we have shown good character. The players have the motivation.

"What is important now is stability. We play some good football, we are creating chances and the spirit is there. Yes, we have less points, but it will be difficult to continue like this."

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