Berbatov hails Giggs impact

Dimitar Berbatov has acknowledged that the introduction of Ryan Giggs in the second half against Stoke tipped the game in Manchester United's favour.

The 35-year-old was introduced as a 55th minute substitute against Stoke replacing the talented but infuriating Nani.

Although the champions never looked in danger of losing against an out of sorts Potters team neither had the Red Devils truly threatened the hosts' goal until the Welshman entered the fray.

Giggs continued where he had left off against Manchester City a week earlier when he found space on the left hand side of the area and picked out Berbatov for a simple tap in to open the scoring on 62 minutes on the way to a 2-0 win which sent United to the top of the Premier League.

The Bulgarian recognised the pass at the time when he ran over to the veteran to celebrate and the £30million striker accepts that Giggs' introduction changed the game.

"The game changed when Ryan came on," he said.

"You can see because of the number of years he has been able to play for Manchester Untied how much he helps by being on the pitch.

"He makes the right decisions. That is what got us the three points."

The goal was only Berbatov's second of the season but he insists as long as the team wins he will be happy.

"The most important thing is for the team to win, not for me to score," he added.

"If we win 1-0, I don't care if the goalkeeper scores. I just want to stay at the top of the table and continue winning."

Source: Sky Sports
Date Published: 30 September 2009