Levy: Berbatov had to go

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The Bulgarian made a deadline-day switch to Old Trafford in a £30.75million deal after being linked with a transfer all summer.

Levy told the club's official website: "The decisions we took to allow the transfers of Berbatov and Robbie Keane were made after close discussions with the coaching staff."

He added: "Juande (Ramos) was clear, and I believe correct, in not wishing to embrace any player within the dressing room that had no desire to play for the badge of this club and for his team-mates. Under these circumstances we had no option but to sell these players."

Levy has also urged the Premier League to "review the system" after agreeing not to pursue a complaint against United for making an illegal approach to Berbatov.

However, Tottenham remain clearly far from happy with the way the 27-year-old exited White Hart Lane - he insisted on joining United despite Manchester City making a higher bid.

"There are no guarantees in football and this summer we found ourselves having to deal with the unexpected challenge of both our leading goalscorers making it clear they wished to leave the club," Levy continued.

"I have already stated my opinion on the manner in which our players were approached and the nature of the negotiations surrounding Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov.

"Monday's events were further evidence of the need for the Premier League to review the system.

"I have also previously said that we had no need to sell players on long contracts - this no longer remains practical."