Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has lavished praise on Dimitar Berbatov following his recent showings in the Red Devils' jersey.

The Bulgaria international was subject to criticism early on in his career as a United player, due to lacklustre performances on the pitch. But the manager has given the 28-year-old a pat on the back for his recent showings.

The striker has also established himself as an automatic starter for the Old Trafford outfit, after the high profile departures of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.

"He's responded to playing all the time," Ferguson explained to the Sunday Mirror.

"He's got touch, vision and composure.

"He'll take his time in the last third of the pitch, where others may hurry.

"He's a terrific player."

The spotlight will be on Berbatov on Sunday, when Ferguson's charges travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool at Anfield.