Sir Alex remains hopeful Dimitar Berbatov will be fit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Reds’ new signing was left out of United’s Champions League opener on Wednesday night after picking up an injury on his debut at Anfield.

“We’re working hard with Dimitar,” the manager told MUTV. “We hope he’ll be fit. I think he’s got a good chance.

“He got a few whacks on Saturday against Liverpool. There were a lot of hard tackles on him and he got a tweak behind the knee.”

Meanwhile, young defender Jonny Evans will have bolstered his chances of appearing at Chelsea after turning in a solid performance against Villarreal on Wednesday night.

“Nemanja Vidic is suspended and that’s why I played Jonny,” the manager told Sky Sports on Wednesday night.

Sir Alex added on MUTV: “He was unlucky to hit the inside of the post in the second half and he had another header that went just by the post.

“But he did very well. He’s a young lad and had good experience on loan last season at Sunderland. He’s only 20 but shows great composure, is a good passer of the ball and reads the game very well. We’re pleased with his progress.”