Whilst United fans were sweating over Dimitar Berbatov’s transfer last night, being forced to wait until 12.40am before confirmation finally came through.

However, David Gill claimed last night that the club were never worried, despite a late bid coming in from our local rivals Manchester City.

When asked if he was at any point concerned about the deal collpsing, “not really,” Gill replied. “Obviously our interest has been well trawled in the newspapers throughout the summer but the very fact that it goes to the last minute is always a worry. But I always thought it would happen. Spurs wanted to sell and the player wanted to come to us so we were confident. The snag was Spurs needed a replacement and, ultimately, Fraizer Campbell has agreed to go there on loan.”

Gill also reflected on City’s shock bid which came on the final day following their takeover. “I think it [City’s bid] was a surprise because of the very fact that the takeover only happened yesterday and released those funds which clearly meant they were pretty active,” he said. “But worried? Not really. The fact is the player has been clear throughout the summer in the media that he wanted to leave Tottenham to join Manchester United for playing ambitions, he wanted the Champions League straight away and come to a club challenging for trophies. Whilst City were putting in a bid more than we were willing to spend, the very fact the player indicated his first port of call was United meant we were pretty relaxed about it. I met him for the first time last night and he’s a pleasant young man who is delighted to be coming here to challenge for honours on all fronts, domestic and European. The uncertainty over his future has been a worry for him but the very fact it’s all sorted out for him, Manchester United and Tottenham is great news.”

Well it would have been nice if Gill could have passed on this confidence to us whilst we were all sweating it watching Sky Sports News in the small hours!




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