Dimitar Berbatov delivers Joao Palhinha verdict amid Manchester United transfer links

Former striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha would be a good fit for Manchester United amid ongoing speculation about his future.

The Portuguese international, who joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon last July, has excelled in his debut campaign in the Premier League, establishing himself as one of the signings of the season. One of the pre-season favourites to be relegated, the Cottagers have enjoyed a very successful first campaign back in the top flight, inspired by Palhinha's brilliance in midfield.

The 27-year-old is often at the heart of Fulham's good fortune and is central to the way that they play. He was excellent during their 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to United at Old Trafford on Sunday, leaving several Reds supporters suggesting that he could be an ideal understudy for Casemiro.

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The Reds, as was proven against the Cottagers, struggle to control and dictate matches without the Brazilian and lack of a sufficient replacement to carry out a similar duty. Many United fans, however, believe Palhinha would be a perfect backup option.

But even though Palhinha, who has scored four goals this season, would expect more than a bit-part role if he was to leave Fulham for a more high-profile club, Berbatov, who spent one-and-a-half-years at Craven Cottage after leaving United in 2012, believes he would be a suitable candidate to strengthen Erik ten Hag's midfield options.

"Yes, he certainly has the quality to do so," Berbatov told Betfred. "He's having a great season for Fulham and he's at that moment in his career, at the age of 27, where he can become even better.

"He has everything that a holding midfielder needs. He's not afraid of challenges, he