Berbatov facing operation as Ferguson left frustrated

Berbatov was unable to play any part in United's 1-1 draw with Birmingham at St Andrew's as they were unable to achieve the victory which would have taken them above Chelsea.

Instead, Ferguson gave a debut to summer signing Mame Biram Diouf, who came on as a second-half substitute.

Ferguson said: "Dimitar wanted to play with it but we felt we should try to get it (the knee) sorted and get him fit again.

"He may have to have an exploratory operation."

Ferguson reiterated his anger at Darren Fletcher's red card by referee Mark Clattenburg with the second yellow awarded for an innocuous trip on Birmingham scorer Cameron Jerome.

The United manager said: "You won't see a softer sending off. For a start, Darren's not that kind of player.

"It's a simple clip on the boy, who actually stumbled. I think it was a terrible decision and it gave Birmingham some momentum.

"But I think we've got to be satisfied with a point particularly as we've ended the game with 10 men.

"Birmingham is a difficult place to go and they are playing very well. It is not a bad point."

Ferguson was not unhappy with a share of the spoils against a Blues side who have gone a club record 12 league matches without defeat, particularly after Fletcher's dismissal for two bookable offences.

United needed an own goal from City defender Scott Dann to collect a point after Jerome had given the home side an undeserved half-time lead against the run of play.

Ferguson said: "We were down to 10 men for the last part of the game but in the first half we played absolutely brilliantly and dominated the match.

"It was a travesty to go in at half-time 1-0 down after they scored with their first attack.

"It was a sickener but it's important not to let your head go down. We kept battling away and deserved a point.

"We spoke about remaining patient at half-time because 45 minutes is a long time.

"We've won so many games late on so we shouldn't worry about being 1-0 down."

After dominating the opening 45 minutes, United were indebted to some fine second-half saves from Tomasz Kuszczak for earning them a point.

But the former West Brom goalkeeper was frustrated at United's failure to get back on the winning trail after their shock FA Cup reversal against Leeds.

Alex McLeish, meanwhile, wants latest Birmingham capture Michel to be given time to adapt to the Premier League.

The play-maker, 23, will formally complete a 3m move from Sporting Gijon today subject to passing a medical.

McLeish is adamant Michel will bring some composure and quality to the City squad.

But he accepts Michel will have to become accustomed to the physical side of the game and the total commitment for the cause evident in the Blues squad.

The former Scotland chief said: "What are the qualities of Michel? He takes the ball, he is unfazed with the ball at his feet, he can make passes, and I want that kind of quality here.

"But Michel will have watched that game with United and he will see the other qualities that you need in the Premier League – the physical side of it, getting close to people, making tackles.

"He will be as amazed as Mikel Arteta was when I signed him at Rangers. He was stunned when players made a tackle and kicked it into row Z and took the man, ball, everything, that the fans went delirious.

"In Spain, that doesn't happen. That is seen as neanderthal. Michel will learn that side of things and will bring a composure and bit of quality."