Manchester United hero Paul Ince has rubbished claims Dimitar Berbatov deserves comparison with Eric Cantona.

The MK Dons boss said in his column for the News of the World: "Dimitar Berbatov was mentioned in the same breath as Eric Cantona when he moved to Old Trafford at the start of last season.

"Well, no one can be mentioned in the same breath as Cantona. He was a one-off. Unique. In fact, the jury is still out when it comes to deciding if Berbatov really is a Manchester United player . . . full stop.

"When we won the title in the 1992-93 season, Cantona was our talisman - the man who provided the magic. But that was only the half of it. His work-rate was phenomenal, his team ethic unquestionable.

"Can we say the same of Berbatov - a player who cost, don't forget, more than £30million? Not yet, we can't.

"That is why this is a huge season for him. Cristiano Ronaldo has gone, taking his goals with him. Carlos Tevez has gone, taking his tireless enthusiasm with him. Berbatov has to step up to the plate on both fronts. Being a supremely talented player is not enough at Old Trafford, where standards are sky-high."