The £30.75million man's swagger and confidence have led to instant comparisons with the Frenchman, who earned legendary status at Old Trafford after his arrival from Leeds in 1992.

Manchester United's newest signing can see the similarities. But, ahead of his debut in Saturday's eagerly-awaited showdown with Liverpool, he has no desire to encourage discussion of them.

For a start, Berbatov cannot see how such statements can be made when he has not even made his debut yet. And he is confident enough in his own ability to want people to remember him, not recall the Frenchman.

"I treat these comparisons a big compliment," said the 27-year-old Bulgaria captain.

"But I must play a lot more games and in any event, I don't really want to be compared to anyone.

"When you train with good players or watch matches on TV, you want to do what they do. But I tried to do it and looked foolish, so I stopped and concentrated on playing my own game.

"I just want to entertain and make people enjoy the game and smile.

"If I can do that here, as I did at Tottenham, I will be happy."

While Berbatov is actively distancing himself from Cantona, he is willing to accept his fellow striker was one of the reasons he was so committed to joining United.

Certainly as Manchester City were attempting to hijack the deal on transfer deadline day, Berbatov raised an eyebrow at the figures being raised, without giving any indication he would like to access such riches.

He said: "What makes Manchester United special?

"It is a lot of things combined. It is the red shirt, the glory that comes with the name, the titles, the great players.

"I don't care about money. I want to enjoy football and win trophies. I can do that here.

"I heard about the offer Manchester City made and the money they want to spend. I was surprised but it did not make any difference. I would not have gone there.

"When Manchester United said they wanted me I did not think about anything else."

Having collected Berbatov from the airport, Ferguson had to wait until the last minutes of deadline day to get his man, with Fraizer Campbell agreeing to go the other way on a season-long loan.

Ferguson had already stated his belief United were a forward short. Not any more. And with Cristiano Ronaldo possibly returning from ankle surgery when the Red Devils begin their Champions League defence against Villarreal on Wednesday, suddenly Ferguson has the firepower he craves at his disposal.

"This is a big step forward for Manchester United," Ferguson said.

"Dimitar's physical presence is something we have not had for a long time.

"His balance and vision are excellent. He is composed and his goal ratio is very good.

"He also wants to be himself, which is good to hear, because this is a different situation to what Eric Cantona came into.

"Then Eric opened the gate for us. There is less pressure on the team now because of the continuous run of success we have had. No longer do players have to be the last piece in the jigsaw."

The bonus for Ferguson this week was Wayne Rooney's inspirational performance in England's astonishing win over Croatia.

There may be little realistic hope of Ronaldo reaching his 42-goal tally from last season again. But with the tally spread around, United promise to be a potent force once more.

"I have always felt Wayne is capable of goals," said Ferguson.

"Dimitar, Cristiano and Carlos Tevez are all capable of 20 goals. If you add Wayne into that you would be talking about an amount that would be good enough to win things."