Speed has become an increasing priority in modern-day football, with Arsenal in particular keen to construct teams on players of pace. It is not an asset that Berbatov has ever had in abundance. Yet, after an amazing week which saw him score five goals in a four-day spell to move clear at the top of the Premier League scorers chart, Berbatov, who celebrates his 30th birthday on Sunday, is proving speed of thought is even more useful. "Confidence is the most important thing," said Ferguson. "Every striker is different. Teddy Sheringham had no pace. Alan Shearer had no pace either but they were great forwards. Ruud Van Nistelrooy wasn't quick but he was a really good goalscorer. "Gary Lineker and Ian Rush were different types of player. "It is about what happens in the penalty box. Some players are quick in the head and only need a yard. "Allan Clarke was that kind of player for Leeds. He could move quickly in the box." Berbatov now has 20 goals for the season in all competitions and although he is likely to be rested for tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Southampton, the Bulgarian's current form means United can expect him to increase his tally significantly before the campaign reaches its conclusion. "It is always the case with strikers that when they are in that kind of form you hope it lasts for a long time," said Ferguson. "He could easily get to the 30 mark." As Berbatov now has less than 18 months remaining on the four-year contract he signed when he joined United from Tottenham for a club record £30.75million in August 2008, chief executive David Gill will presumably soon be offering a new one. Not that Ferguson is too concerned about that situation just yet. "Dimitar's contract is not an issue," he said. "I don't know how long left he has got left but he is under contract at the moment."
