United have chased Berbatov for more than a year and believed they could land him for £28m.
Spurs are willing to do business for the want-away 27-year-old but have insisted on waiting until manager Juande Ramos finds a replacement.
Now Ferguson says he is ready to look elsewhere, with the likes of the former Ajax player of the year top of his shopping list.
"We are looking at some options at the moment - three or four different options in the striking department, which I hope will come to a happy conclusion," he said. "Hopefully we will have someone in for the start of the season."
The Berbatov deal has also been complicated by the public spat between Ferguson and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who reported United to the Premier League for trying to lure Berbatov to Old Trafford, but it is understood he is willing to let him go.
Disappointed
And Ramos is keen to sell, having been disappointed with the forward's attitude since learning of United's interest.
A new face will go a long way to deciding the future of Louis Saha, who has been linked with moves to Sunderland, West Ham, Paris St Germain and Monaco.
It still seems likely he will be shown the door - having not figured in any of United's pre-season schedule - although Fergie has offered the injured-prone Frenchman a lifeline.
Fergie said: "He's on a programme at the moment that we feel will get him to 100 per cent fitness. I think it's about his confidence. That will enable him to get back and we are very confident about that now.
"He's such a fantastic player. You don't want to give up on a player like that just because of a few injuries.
"When he's fit he's absolutely explosive and will guarantee 20-odd goals a season."
Fergie has been boosted by the news that Wayne Rooney should be fit for the start of the season after overcoming a mystery virus.
"We think we have a big job to get him ready for next week, but with seven or eight days training he may just make it. He's much, much better," said the United boss. "Hopefully we can get him ready for Newcastle."
Which striker should United go for? Have your say.
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Fredrik, Sweden (09/08/2008 at 13:47)
I would say that we wait another week or two for Spurs to find a replacement. If they still reject an improved bid then make a bid for Villa or Etoo.
Robbo, N2409 (09/08/2008 at 13:48)
Fredrik, Sweden (09/08/2008 at 13:51)
Red Rob, Fifth Quadrant (09/08/2008 at 14:02)
Red Dawn (09/08/2008 at 14:12)
The problem with signing players from the Dutch league though is that they can look better than they actually are, as the league itself is not very competitive. For example, Mateja Kezman looked a world beater when he played for PSV, but flopped for Chelsea. Dennis Rommedhal is another example, but flopped for Charlton.
That said, Arjen Robben came to England from PSV and was an instant hit.
It's Huntelaars International scoring record that stands out for me though, 8 goals in 13 appearances I believe, which makes me feel he is a bit special.
Only the manager will know if he is right for United or not, but he would be a cheaper and younger alternative to Berbatov.
Berbatov is a proven Premier League player though and in my opinion would be an instant hit, but at the end of the day I'd be happy if we signed either of them.
Going by Fergie's comments, we are close to signing someone though, so we'll just have to wait and see who it is.
IamJoe (09/08/2008 at 14:31)
He may be a good striker, but definitely not a good footballer, and watching preseason and the quality of our passing game, I think the technical abilities needed to make it at United have become so much greater than anything Huntelaar can offer.
A good striker scores us goals, a great footballer also makes everyone around him look better, that is what we should be looking for.
I would be astonished, or even more dissapointed, if he joined us.
williamfok, Hong Kong (09/08/2008 at 14:41)
mufc who else (09/08/2008 at 14:46)
jerzy (09/08/2008 at 14:48)
The nearest thing to Berbatov is Gudjonson; an experienced cool head who'd work well with our other front men.
He'd give us the 2/3 years we need to decide if wellbeck's going to make it.
Lew, Ontario., Canada (09/08/2008 at 15:22)
Marc Young (09/08/2008 at 16:03)
So guys, when you mention any players, consider it. E'to? common.
charbel (09/08/2008 at 16:49)
As for Huntelaar, he would definitely be a good addition. Unlike Berbatov, he won't mind being sub at times. Remember, we already have Roo and Tevez, so it would be very rare that all three started. Huntelaar is very prolofic. He'll get loads of goals for us. Perhaps he won't be a starter in the biggest games, but somehoe I doubt Berbatov will either.
warlock, Toronto (09/08/2008 at 16:58)
Ola (09/08/2008 at 17:20)
king eric, stapleford notts (09/08/2008 at 19:53)
Red Culture (09/08/2008 at 20:46)
trevorbutd53, Newton Abbot,devon. (09/08/2008 at 20:50)
Bill69, Bury. UK (10/08/2008 at 00:33)
Bill69
parasyte (10/08/2008 at 01:58)
perhaps Daniel Levy should go report himself
look at this article
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=560914&sec=england&cc=4716
some pts from the article
The UEFA Cup holders have rejected formal bids from Barcelona and Tottenham for Arshavin
'When Tottenham made their offer I was sceptical at first,' Arshavin continued. 'But after Ramos called me personally
'A short while later a representative from Spurs arrived to discuss my personal terms and contract. The discussion didn't take long and we agreed on everything quickly
well, IMO, if discussing terms and contract with a player that is still under contract with another club that has yet to accept the bid is not called tapping up
i do not know what it should be called
simplyred, sydney (10/08/2008 at 06:27)
Rob86, manchester (10/08/2008 at 11:05)
Red Culture (10/08/2008 at 11:07)
the goat's boots, manchester (10/08/2008 at 12:16)
eddy01 (10/08/2008 at 12:38)
Luca Toni looked like a plank in the Euros and Bayern wouldn't let him go for peanuts either.
There is more speculation about a £20M bid for Henry in the papers today.....I hope that's wrong.
mufc who else (10/08/2008 at 13:27)
Huntlear is a good forward young and scores,he didnt get the chance in euro 2008.
He will be a good signing.