Curtains for Dimitar Berbatov?
In Manchester United’s 3-1 demolition yesterday, the Gunners were torn apart by Nani and Wayne Rooney. But where was their record signing? Glued to the bench for 89 minutes, watching his team decimate their fierce rivals. Dimitar Berbatov’s exclusion is another setback in what has been an up and down stint at Old Trafford.
In his Daily Mail column, Gary Lineker believes Sir Alex has lost faith with the 29 year old Bulgarian, and that Berbatov has five months to salvage what is left of his Man Utd career. The MOTD host wrote:
“I watch him and think he could always give 15 or 20 per cent more to the team. And if that frustrates me, it must be sending Sir Alex mad having fought so long and hard to get him from Spurs, and to persuade his own money-men to break United’s transfer record.”
Since arriving at United in August 2008 as their record £31 million signing, Berbatov has had mixed fortunes for United. There have been moments of brilliance, from the scissor kick against Sunderland this season to the excellent turn and assist for Ronaldo against West Ham last year. Then there have been moments that have infuriated United fans, an example being that dreadful penalty in the FA Cup semi-final loss to Everton last season.
Berbatov was signed by Ferguson because he can do what United have lacked since the days of Eric Cantona – provide that moment of excellence that can change games, and an aura of unpredictability to keep opponents guessing what he will do next. But while Cantona could get away with not chasing back, letting strike partners like Mark Hughes and Brian McClair do all the donkey work, Berbatov can’t get away with that and United fans have often complained about his laziness, which is evident when you compare him with Wayne Rooney’s work rate for United.
Last season Berbatov scored 13 goals in 44 games, but has noticeably struggled to find form this year, hitting the target only 7 times for United this season. He has been inconsistent and in and out of the team, sitting on the bench for big games against City and Arsenal, with Fergie often preferring to use Rooney as a lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation.
There’s no doubt that Berbatov is extremely talented, possessing exquisite touch and excellent finishing skills, but does he fit into United’s system? Last season United’s formation was built around the skills of Ronaldo, with the constant interchanging of positions playing to the strengths of the Portuguese winger. This season, United are built around the work rate and excellent form of Rooney, who has been fantastic (20 goals in the Premiership this season) and has completely overshadowed Berbatov, with the Bulgarian playing second fiddle to Rooney for United.
Berbatov obviously has the skills to be the next Cantona for United, but while Rooney is in the form of his life this season, nothing Berbatov does will eclipse the England striker’s impact on the team. That £31 million price tag hanging over his head doesn’t help the striker either, but I believe he still has what it takes to be a star at Old Trafford.
What do you think? Is Lineker right and Berbatov is finished at Old Trafford?
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People should lay off Berbaclass. He’ll come through IF given the chance..The circumstances just have to be right. I still think it was a mistake to let Seba go, this is the same situation here.
Look at darren fletcher and Nani for reference. Supporters should get behind their players instead of moan all the time. Come on BERBA!! Show them you’re worth MORE than 30 million
What does Lineker know about winning the League – him and Shearer talk a good show but never delivered.
Fergie is a loyal father to Berbie but Judas for Michael Owen. Berbatov will never in a million time reach the work rate of Wayne Rooney now in Man Utd. He should be sold as soon as possible to accomodate Owen in Man Utd. Berbatov will be remembered ” the laziest striker ever in Man Utd shirt.”
There is nothing wrong with the way Berba plays. The problem is the style of play that united have adopted. It’s the same system in which Tevez struggling to score goals (and look at him now). Our style of play gives the illusion that our strikers are simply not natural goal scorers. Think about it – why is it that Rooney, Tevez and now Berbatov find it hard to score goals for Manchester United? It’s only this season that Rooney has had a better return and that’s because he is playing a slightly different role to previous years – it requires a strong and energetic player to fit the role. We are too defensively orientated and that has crippled our natural attack. The day united start to use both wings effectively is the day Berbatov will prove his worth… but that would mean relaxing our midfield a bit and acquiring bolder, swift wingers who can get behind defences. Wingers like Belamy, Ronaldo, Robin etc. If only we had a winger that played like Evra on the left . In short, Berba is not a player that complements our style of play.PERIOD!
Chabby – I agree. What you said is spot on. Berbatov is a quality player, it’s just United’s system isn’t designed to his strengths.
Completely agree with Chabby. Think so that Berba has to be given more chance on the pitch. Last few appearances proved he could be a good goalscorer too!