The Big V prevailed 2-1 against the Reds as United hit the lead just before the hour mark through Nikola Mileusnic before goals from Leroy George and Berisha booked a place with Sydney FC next week.

During the Asian Champions League (ACL) Berisha defended himself after copping heat on social media, belieiving his critics didn’t understand the game.

FINALS GALLERY: Victory v United

The Victory boss then said the striker only goes out to win.

“He’s a winner and his attitude has been fine, he wants to win, whatever he does and whatever he’s doing and when the big moments, he wants himself to be involved,” Muscat said.

“There’s a lot in him in terms of that. Tonight he did get reward for his perseverance because when he did get his opportunity he stuck it away.

“He’s got high expectations of himself, I think the way his career has gone since he’s been in Australia, the expectation of him from all of us has been very high and that’s because of what he has produced. 

“These games and the finals especially, he’s a proven winner and I’m really pleased for him and he’s put in a lot of effort.”

Muscat had made no substitutions before the winning goal and while he admitted he was preparing for extra-time, but had the faith they would create a chance.

“We’ve now got to the point where we’ve got someone, in Kenny Athiu, who can contribute,” he said.

“We were preparing all the subs, it was looking like it was heading to that. In the last few moments of the game, I really had a belief that players out there would carve out an opportunity. Bes didn’t have too many all night and probably the most difficult chance he’s had in a long time.

“He found an unbelievable finish and pleasing from that perspective. We’re readying the subs because of the time of the game and then if it was going into injury time, we wanted to make sure they were well in terms of what they needed to do.”

FINALS GALLERY: Victory v United