Berba misses United’s bid to take on the world’s best

The former Tottenham striker has been unable to train since United flew out to Japan on Monday to compete for the £3.3million first prize.

Berbatov, 27, was absent last night as the rest of the squad were put through their paces at the Nissan Stadium.

It means Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, who is expected to recover from a minor knock in time to play, should be paired up front.

United are aiming to become the first British team to win the Club World Cup since the competition was extended.

The mini-tournament, which is contested between the champion clubs from all six continents, also allows Sir Alex Ferguson's side the chance to take a break from their Premier League campaign.

But United have faced some criticism over the timing of the fixture, as they will not play again until Boxing Day and they are already in third place in the table, six points behind leaders Liverpool.

Yet Ferguson believes the lure of being crowned world champions was too good to turn down.

"You can't win the Premier League in December," Ferguson said, when asked about the timing of the competition.

"Yes, it's a little bit of a handicap but that's what happens when you're successful. I hope we're in Abu Dhabi next year because it means we're successful.

"It's a big incentive to become world champions. In 30 years' time you look back and say 'Manchester United, world champions' - to me that is what our club's about."

Ferguson is expected to name a strong United side to take on their J-League opponents tomorrow in Yokohama. Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville will be included, along with Paul Scholes, who is set to start for the first time since undergoing knee surgery at the end of September.

Ferguson also hinted that Cristiano Ronaldo could be handed a starting berth.

The world player of the year has been mobbed by Japanese United fans since he arrived.

Wayne Rooney admits he has been amazed by the level of support he and his team-mates have received and says he wants to repay the locals by putting on a good performance.

The England striker said: "The support we have out here is amazing. We want to do our best to entertain them."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has identified Gamba Osaka midfielder Yasuhito Endo as the Japanese team's dangerman.

Endo, 28, scored the winner in their 1-0 victory over Adelaide United to set up a last four clash with the Reds. "He is their star," said Ferguson.