It was widely assumed Owen would leave Old Trafford this summer after making only 17 appearances this term, which yielded five goals.

Instead, Ferguson values the 31-year-old's contribution enough to reward him with an additional season.

Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney have already established themselves as a potent striking partnership and Danny Welbeck is due to return from Sunderland, having performed well enough on Wearside to gain his first England cap, so Ferguson already has plenty of striking options at his disposal.

In addition, it is anticipated the United manager will add to his reserves of strength by making at least one additional signing in the striking department.

If a new face does come in, it is difficult to see where there would be room for Berbatov, who was left so devastated by his omission from United's Champions League final squad at the weekend.

The 30-year-old certainly did not warrant a mention in Ferguson's assessment of why Owen made so few appearances last term, although there was a pledge the former England man will be involved more often next year.

"Michael has proved to be a top footballer," said Ferguson.

"It is unfortunate that he did not get more opportunities but the form of Chicharito (Hernandez) put everyone in the shade and his partnership with Rooney proved invaluable.

"I am delighted Michael is staying for a further year and we will look to give him more opportunities in the new season."

That will suit Owen, who finally has a Premier League title medal to go with the collection of cup competitions he amassed at Liverpool.

"I am delighted to have agreed a one-year extension to my contract," said Owen.

"To play alongside so many great players, under an exceptional manager, and in front of so many passionate supporters is a real inspiration.

"I can't wait for next season to start."

Berbatov is saying much the same.

However, it is debatable whether the private thoughts of this most thoughtful of characters match the bullish rhetoric he came out with on his return home.

"It was embarrassing for me - that I was not included in the group," Berbatov told Bulgarian newspaper 24 Chassa.

"I was in the dressing room. I watched the final from there. I didn't want people to see the pain in my eyes."

Now Berbatov is fighting for his United future.

The striker has a year remaining on his contract, which the club have an option to extend by a further season.

However, talks have broken down and so far, there is no hint that they are about to be renewed.

Yet, for now at least, Berbatov is ready to battle.

"I will remain at United. I will fight for my place and I will fight for title number 20," he said.

"If I was a man who gave up easily, I would never be here in the first place - starting July 4, everything begins all over again - my personal fight to be in the first team, and for United to win more titles."

Not that Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is convinced the Premier League champions can reach the Champions League final for a fourth time in five years.

Real were denied by Barca at the semi-final stage. However, Spain's World Cup captain is convinced if they had gone through, his side would also have been too good for Ferguson's team.

"I believe 100% if Madrid had been in that final, we would have also overrun Manchester United," he said.

"The semi-final between Madrid and Barcelona was for the champions of Europe.

"The two best teams in Europe faced each other at that time. The two best teams are from Spain."