Just what is Manchester United’s problem in front of goal?

Football FanCast
columnist Mark Bryans wonders what is Manchester United's problem
in front of goal.


After watching the ‘World Champions' stutter to another
tame 1-0 victory on Monday evening against a lacklustre Middlesbrough outfit,
it is starting to become quite clear that there are small problems appearing in
Manchester United's defence of their Premiership and European crowns.

I think it is a fair assumption to say that, if the game on
Monday night were to have taken the same shape this time last season, United
would have won at a canter and Cristiano Ronaldo would have been celebrating a
hat-trick. But instead it was another frustrating 90 minutes for United and
their Portuguese star. Only Dimitar Berbatov's scruffy goal was the difference
between the sides, but the gulf in class was evident for all to see.

The quality and ability of the players is not under
scrutiny, although some – most notably Wayne Rooney – have gone off the boil in
the last few weeks. Park Ji-Sung missed an absolute sitter which would have
banished any ideas of a Boro revival but he has been impressive since being
given an extended run in the side. I for one would rather see the Korean on the
teamsheet ahead of the likes of Nani.

The problem, in my opinion, is how to utilise Dimitar
Berbatov to the full. He is such an interesting character. He skulks around the
field for the entire match and seems utterly uniterested in the football until
it is at his feet. Then he morphs, in a Jekyl and Hyde manner, and he is
suddenly a maestro. In a Cantona-esque fashion he can turn a game and create a
chance with one touch.

But in the title-winning United sides of the last two
years their game has been all about speedy, hell-for-leather football.This was
why Sir Alex Ferguson wasn't too worried about selling Ruud van Nistelrooy to
Real Madrid. Sure his goalscoring feats were second-to-none, but United hadn't
won the title in a long time and a change in style meant the Dutchman was moved
on. Success followed with freeflowing football as the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo,
Giggs and Tevez tore through defences in the blink of an eye.

More firepower was needed as in some games last season -
like Derby County at Pride Park, for example – if opposing teams "parked the
bus" United did struggle as Rooney and Tevez offer little variety from one
another. But in Dimitar Berbatov it could be argued Ferguson has taken a step
back to the ‘traditional striker,' of the van Nistelrooy ilk. The Bulgarian can
certainly add more to a squad already bursting with attacking capability, but
it is up to Sir Alex to establish the role he should be playing in the team,
and quickly.

Many people have been quick to critisice Robbie Keane's
form since his move from Tottenham to Liverpool. But the Irishman was cheaper,
is younger and has scored more goals than his former White Hart Lane teammate.
Berbatov was signed to put the ball in the back of the net, but since pulling
on a red shirt he has altered into a player who will drop very deep to pull the
strings.

This was the problem Ferguson was hoping to recitfy by
signing Berbatov, the hunger of both Rooney and Tevez to chase back and work
for the team often left big gaps in attacking positions and quite often the box
would be empty when decent crosses were delivered. If United are to start
scoring and winning consistently then Berbatov needs to be used as an
out-an-out frontman who can stick the ball in the back of the net and, if the
type of game doesn't call for that sort of individual, Ferguson needs to revert
back to Rooney and Tevez.

Spend £30 – Win £10,000 – Compete
against 2500, REGISTER NOW

Already signed up? Log-in now to Pick your Team