Rio said: “Wayne is confident, playing well – and being honest, one of the reasons I was happy that Berbatov signed for United was that I knew it would inspire other players in the team to step their game up another level.
“It’s not just the forwards but the other players as well – because when a new player comes in that’s what happens.
“Everyone wants to impress that player and show them why they are playing for Manchester United. I think Wazza has taken that on board and gone from strength to strength.
“I think they can be a great pairing – but what I’m getting at is Berbatov’s arrival will help him become a better player individually and go to another level.”