Tottenham ace Jermain Defoe has jumped to the defence of former teammate Dimitar Berbatov.

Berbatov is under huge pressure at Manchester United after failing to live up to his £31 million price-tag.

But Defoe told the Mirror: "Everyone has been so quick to write off Manchester United with Wayne Rooney injured but I think Dimitar Berbatov can make them eat their words.

"I should know, I played with the Bulgarian at Tottenham and I can tell you that he is a fantastic player.

"He hit 23 goals in all competitions in his first season after joining us from Bayer Leverkusen and repeated the feat in the second season to rubber-stamp his quality.

"I remember last summer when Ronaldo left United for Real Madrid. People were saying back then that it was the end for United because he was a such a goal machine.

"But just as Wayne came into his own in sensational fashion after being allowed the chance to shine himself, I think Berba can do the same at Old Trafford.

"His vision is superb and although he does not have the all-action industry of Rooney, he is just as clinical in front of goal. You don't spend £30million on an average player."