United smashed their transfer record to sign Berbatov, the £30.75million deal to conclude a long-running saga, with Manchester City looking at one stage as though they were about to step in and hijack the deal.

'I don't play for the money,' he told MUTV in an interview.

'Those who know me; my really close friends, know that I play for enjoyment and to entertain the fans.

'If I want to play for the money, I will accept the Manchester City offer or Chelsea.

'But the red shirt is a really big thing for me. I want to play for the biggest club in the world. That is why I am here.'

Indeed, Berbatov feels so strongly about United that he is already talking about staying at Old Trafford for the remainder of his career.

Certainly, no matter how long the Bulgaria striker is around for, he expects to improve.

'I know I can develop here in the way I always wanted. That is the most important thing for me.

'I am 27 now. I am at the biggest club in the world and maybe this could be the last step in my career.'

Despite being stuck in the middle of a stand-off to which there appeared to be no end. And having pulled out of games against Sunderland and Tottenham because he was 'in no fit state' to participate, Berbatov never felt his United hopes would end in failure.

'I always believed,' he said.

'People used to say 'keep the faith'. I went through some very difficult times and it was a long battle, but I was always thought it was going to happen and in the end it did.

'Now I am here and hopefully I will play my part in the team and we can win lots of trophies as well.'

In joining a club that has won the Premier League title for the last two seasons and added the Champions League trophy to their haul in May, Berbatov has a lot to live up to.

Not that the challenge bothers him. Indeed, it is one he is relishing as he bids to add more meaningful medals to the Carling Cup gong he won with Spurs last term.

'Trophies are an important thing in football and I want to help this team win more,' he said.

'I have handled pressure and expectation all through my life.

'I am not scared of it. That is why I am here.

'The most important thing is to enjoy myself, help the team win more trophies and entertain the fans.

'If I do that and play as I have done in my last two years at Tottenham, I don't think there will be any problem.'

Having now gone on international duty, Berbatov must wait for his debut. But at the back of his mind, there remains the expectant thrill to come from that first game - at Liverpool on September 13.

'I would love to play there,' he said.

'We live for the big games and I think this is the biggest. I can't wait to play.'