Dimitar Berbatov urges Man United to take advantage of Chelsea’s crisis and sign Antonio Rudiger

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov wants his former club to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger when the defender’s contract ends – but believes their lack of success could deter the serial winner from moving to Old Trafford. 

Crisis-hit Chelsea cannot offer Rudiger an extension when his deal expires in the summer because of UK government sanctions placed on club owner Roman Abramovich.

Centre-back Rudiger had already been linked with United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle before the punishments were imposed.

Ralf Rangnick (right) and Man United need Antonio Rudiger’s (left) help, says Dimitar Berbatov

Rudiger has been attracting interest from the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United

Rudiger had been rumoured to be considering a contract extension at the club where he has established himself as an exceptional talent since joining for £31million from Roma in 2017.

With Abramovich barred from selling the club, a ban on merchandise and matchday ticket sales and key sponsors backing out, Chelsea have been abruptly forced to focus on securing their future rather than keeping key players at Stamford Bridge. 

Betfair Ambassador Berbatov says United need a centre-back and could step in. ‘They have five players for that position and still things are not going quite well,’ he said.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel cannot sign players under sanctions facing Roman Abramovich

‘[I will say] Rudiger because I’m concentrated on him. But he, based on his performances, is a good fit, honestly. He’s aggressive. He’s good on the ball, so he can be a good choice.’  

Berbatov warned that the 29-year-old is unlikely to be impressed by a trophy drought stretching back to United’s 2017 Europa League triumph. 

‘In the case of Rudiger or any player who is good enough to play in big football [games], I can see, in the case of Rudiger, him going where he can win something. 

‘I cannot imagine him going places where he cannot win anything. And I’m saying this because United haven’t won the Premier League for what? Eight, nine years already?

‘So if he goes someplace else, he’s going to be looking for a team that is going to win titles, cups, medals; in the case of United, that’s hard to do now.’ 

Ex-United star Berbatov also wants to see Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland at Old Trafford

Rudiger’s first trophy with Chelsea, when he won the 2018 FA Cup, arrived five years after United earned the last of their 20 top-flight titles.

The uncompromising Germany international has helped Chelsea to glory four times since then, winning the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and Club World Cup. 

Berbatov also told United to target hotshots Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe among a quartet of players who could transform the club this summer.

The ex-Bulgaria forward, who scored 48 goals during his time at United, admitted that signing the sought-after strikers would be ‘pretty much impossible’ for United and suggested Italy midfielder Marco Verratti as a further addition.

Berbatov said: ‘One of those two players for the striker position, you know, because I like to watch them.

‘In the midfield, I would probably go for Verratti as well. I like Marco Verratti. I just think he’s unbelievable on the ball with everything he’s doing.’

Euro 2020 winner Verratti is under contract at Paris Saint-Germain until 2024.