Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Manchester United will opt to extend Dimitar Berbatov's contract with the club.

The Bulgarian – whose deal expires at the end of the current campaign – was expected to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer after being linked with an exit for much of last summer.

However, following his hattrick against Wigan, the Scot insists that the club are willing to keep Berbatov in Manchester.

"We'll be exercising [the option to renew Berbatov's contract]," Ferguson told reporters. "I think it kicks in in March."

Berbatov, who has grabbed 46 goals in 103 appearances during his time at the club, has scored four in seven league games this season.

The 30-year-old joined Manchester United in 2008 for more than £30m after spending three seasons at Tottenham.