Berbatov's chance to shine

If Manchester United want to get the best out of Berbatov, all they need to do is sign Robbie Keane to play alongside him. £15 million or so should do it.

It really is crunch time for Berbatov (no pun intended). The next two or three weeks could make or break him as a Manchester United player.

His main problem seems to be his inability to finish straight forward chances. He looks like a player who looks low on confidence. Being essentially up on his own will either create new confidence or banish it completely..

I definitely think Berbatov has the chance to really shine here.... but it's not going to be a one man show - Utd's midfield will have to provide good service to him..... so I guess they're praying for the inconsistent Nani to have one of his diamond matches.

Watch this space I guess - this one could be the title decider

All Berba thinks is he wants to be sole star man and everyone to depend on him like Rooney.At tottenham, he was the star man. But at Man utd, he was always under shadow of cr7, tevez or rooney..now there is no one... Now everyone banks on him and will earmark him to carry the star man mantle to drive united all the way. For his attitude, He is on the verge of becoming a player what utd bought him for..And you criticizers will appreciate him all the way next week..

and big phil will post another blog appreciating berbatov...good blog phil this one!!!

Berbatov's contribution will be shaped by the way Fergie sets out his team.

I suspect Chelsea will be expecting a 4-5-1 as are most - similar to the formation at Bolton - Fergie may change this to try and catch Chelsea out.

However he sets up, it'll be built around Berbatov to allow him space and time to create.

Other teams have proved Ancelotti can be out smarted with a tactical switch - but they are on fire at the moment - I reckon Fergie will try to out think him rather than go toe to toe which similar formations.

I still can't understand why United paid so much for Berbatov. He's a good player but he isn't £30 million good. He's not exactly that young either, so no arguement for locked up potential.

That said, he does come in for too much flak. I was amazed that no one seemed to make a big deal out of his performance in the Carling cup final. The boy actually put a shift in and was hard working throughout, not just in Owen's goal. Nice to see Phil mention it now.

Sorry Phil, but brilliant as Rooney has been this season I disagree that he has "at times carried United almost single-handedly this season."

Rooney does not beat several players in a slalom run and chip the keeper on a regular basis, if ever. Nor does he smash in thunderbolts from 25 yards. He has been finishing superbly but where do his chances come from?

Also, Utd have scored 107 goals in all competitions this season, Rooney bagging 34 of those. That's 73 goals that have come from elsewhere.

There's no doubt that Berba's contribution will be key in the next few games but so will that of Nani, Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs and Carrick.

Utd have proven this season that, post Ronaldo, they can once again get goals from anywhere.

I wonder if Own Goal will be playing on Saturday?

berba is genius and he will strive on because of not living in shadows of rooney , tevez and ronaldo atleast for three weeks....he will be the star...and this is the most important 3 weeks in his man utd career...Do or die? my son

Berbatov is a magnificent player, but only if he has adequate support. He struggles to grab a game and single-handedly turn it his way, like a Rooney or Roy Keane. However up front on his own, if he has able support from wingers and attacking midfielders, he can not only outscore anyone but outthink anyone. I'm going for a 2-1 United win - Berbatov to make one and score one.

berba is definately underrated, a confidence based player in a 'le-tissier' style who will get better and better the more often he is played from the start and is used as the focal point. you only have to look at some of his goals and performances as a 'big cheese' at spurs to see that...

on a lighter note, he will almost definately provide the cross for OG to fire in the unexplainable winner against Chelsea. Lets be honest, Man Utd as so lucky, you can prbably spread bet on the time of their first own goal!!!

No-one in their right mind would doubt his talent, it's his drive and determination that is up for debate. His performances go from forlorn to languid to exceptional. This season it has been more of the former two.

In a league where speed and determination count for more of the percentage for the requirement of a great player then he is looking more average than he would in the Spanish or Italian leagues.

Berbatov is an exceptionally skilled player, all that is left is to see if he can step up to the plate and lead the team as a spearhead. If not he will be a £30million bit player and will be sold to Real or Milan.

My favorite player, Berbatov. Was excited when Fergie bought him but he hasnt done too much since at OT. However I guess this week is the catalyst for him being good as his price tag shows. The couple goals last weekend should give him plenty encouragement and confidence for this game.
Looking forward to a good game from Nani and Valencia as well. Promises to be a cracker

All Berba thinks is he wants to be sole star man and everyone to depend on him like Rooney.At tottenham, he was the star man. But at Man utd, he was always under shadow of cr7, tevez or rooney..now there is no one... Now everyone banks on him and will earmark him to carry the star man mantle to drive united all the way. For his attitude, He is on the verge of becoming a player what utd bought him for..And you criticizers will appreciate him all the way next week..

and big phil will post another blog appreciating berbatov...good blog phil

PS. I'm still struggling to see the pun in the second comment. Crunch time? Berbatov? Am I going insane? Can someone put me out of my misery? :(

As a Chelsea fan I find Berbatov more of a worry than Rooney given their respective records against us and playing styles.

Berbatov as a skillful link players pulls people out of position and creates for others as well as being capable of technically excellent finishes. He has caused Chelsea problems and cost points in the past where as Rooney has merely scored a tap in during a game already won by united and accepted a sloppy back pass from Carvalho (chelsea still won the match)despite having played against Chelsea several times.

Berbatov proved with Spurs that he is an exceptional striker. However the emphasis has been spent far too much on Rooney and this has zapped his confidence. I believe there is now too much pressure on him to provide the goods for the next vital games for Utd and the absence of Rooney will have sent the other teams morale through the roof especially Chelsea and Bayern. PROVE us all wrong Dimitar, especially us scousers that are almost convinced you have been carried by one man for most of the season.

Rooney single handedly carried Utd? Wow what games have you been watching? How about the unsung midfielders in the utd line-up, who will have to do even more work now that Berba has to start games. Great technique yes but work shy far too much of the time.

bboy, I am just as lost as you with that joke. Seems like Phil is stingy, cause he is keeping that pun to himself.....

ROB04 is correct, he is work shy and the emphasis will be on the midfielders such as Giggs, Scholes, park, Nani or Carrick to score. SAF is no fool he will have done his homework, but how well? Cannot wait till Sunday.

Lol @ post 14, I too read post #2 with confused interest, hopefully he will enlighten us!

Losing Rooney is absolutely massive full stop! Berba will hopefully - for united fans - make a good contribution and he is well capable of this, but United will suffer greatly from this loss, only time will tell how decisive it ends up being, I genuinely think it could cost them big time, vs bayern next week and in the league games.

Phil, perhaps you could get one of your minions to help me out with a stats question. Id be interested to see a comparison between united matches with / without rooney. I would suggest they score less and win less when he hasnt been in the team. They only problem with this stat perhaps is that he HAS been in the team most of the time so there perhaps might not be enough rooney-less matches to make a decent comparison.

BBoy, I also struggled with this one. I can only assume the crunch some kind of reference to Rooney's injury, which has given Berbatov this chance. But I could be way off the mark.
On Berbatov being work-shy, the fact is that he doesn't need as much space as Rooney does to receive the ball. He's happy to take and control it with 2 or 3 defenders next to him, before makng one of his clever flicksor simply picking the right pass. He did this so many times in the Leeds game, to name one, but his team-mates contrived to miss chance after chance that he set up. He was the scapegoat for that loss on 606. Yes, he also misses his share of chances - this is a confidence issue. Plus, as others have said, he probably doesn't enjoy playing second fiddle to Rooney. I don't see him scoring against Chelsea, but he will almost certainly unleash several promising attacks.

Not even Chelsea could afford the amount of flops Fergie has signed. Berbatov, Veron, Hargreaves, Anderson, Nani.......All of these cost between 20 - 30 million!

Chelsea have 1, Shevchenko, even veron was half price from utd.

But Hey! when you spend that amount of money you win a lot of trophies with no repercussions and no one complains.....wait.....there is the d-word...debt....oh yes once everyone has realised this, the gold and green flags come out. no one complained when you were winning those trophies under the glazers. but now they must go? and they're meant to be the 'bad guys'?

Naw I have to disagree in the sense that Berba has 12 goals already this season playing second fiddle to, and often between Rooney and the midfield. He is the creator of a lot what goes on around the box. I don't think he has anything to prove and I am not sure Ferguson will play him in the role of lone striker, I am not sure that is his best game. I have heard Ferguson has referred to Macheda and built him up a bit this week, wouldn't be surprised to see him or Diouf up front with Berba playing off and behind him. Whoever is up front, with Valencia on the wing, I reckon the service will be warranting another 3 or 4 goals a game.

The thing to remember about Berbatov is that he has never been a prolific goal scorer:

2006/7 Premier League goals 12
2007/8 Premier League goals 15
2008/9 Premier League goals 9
2009/10 Premier League goals 12 (so far)

As strikers are commonly, and perhaps sometimes unfairly, judged on their goal return i thought it would be interesting to note that in those terms Berbatov is on course for a very good season.

However, he offers so much more than simply goals. In the season he only got 9 goals he racked up the most assists. He is terrific and holding the ball up, fending off tackles and distributing the ball well. He has a terrific touch and is invariably heavily involved in the best moves that United string together. In my opinion he helps United play better football, which is nice to watch. I'd expect him to do very well up front in Rooney's absence.

"At 2:25pm on 02 Apr 2010, TeniPurist wrote: Phil, perhaps you could get one of your minions to help me out with a stats question. Id be interested to see a comparison between united matches with / without rooney. I would suggest they score less and win less when he hasnt been in the team. They only problem with this stat perhaps is that he HAS been in the team most of the time so there perhaps might not be enough rooney-less matches to make a decent comparison."

They had these exact stats on Sky Sports News last night, and they reckoned Man Utd win more games (percentage-wise) and score more goals per game with Rooney OUT of the team. As you say he hasn't missed many, so it might not be a totally fair comparison (I think it was about 11 matches?) but them were the stats.

Man Utd had Ronaldo as the main focus of attack and Ronaldo was the main scorer of the team. This season, Man Utd have Rooney in that role and Rooney scores freely. They are both excellent players, two of the best around.

But United also had Tevez who wasn't scoring, but also not playing. Tevez is the main scorer at Man City this season. And United have Berbatov in a similar fashion of participation.
I don't know if SAF is seeking a new Norwegian-like 'last minutes scorer'. What I know is Berbatov is pure quality with a southern European way of movement and ability to leave you speechless.

On a different angle of what's laid directly ahead of Man Utd, Man Utd are playing a difficult match tomorrow, which is very important on the title race but it is not a title decider - a lot of water still has to go under the bridge and a lot of matches to be played. However, how many times have Man Utd won critical matches by the odd goal, scored by a midfielder or a defender? And what was the final scoreline at the Bridge? I can recollect a 1-0 narrow Chelsea win, via a foul on 85+ minutes, which Man Utd are still protesting.

To me, it's more of concern how tired Man Utd will be tomorrow and how tired they will be on Wednesday. This has been a unique season for the team, in terms of injuries - they had to play for a month with all the defence (but Evra) missing. It's only fitting, in an ironic way, that they will have to do some period without Rooney too.

20. At 2:25pm on 02 Apr 2010, TeniPurist wrote:
Lol @ post 14, I too read post #2 with confused interest, hopefully he will enlighten us!

"Phil, perhaps you could get one of your minions to help me out with a stats question. Id be interested to see a comparison between united matches with / without rooney. I would suggest they score less and win less when he hasnt been in the team. They only problem with this stat perhaps is that he HAS been in the team most of the time so there perhaps might not be enough rooney-less matches to make a decent comparison."

This season Rooney has missed 11 games in all competitions. Utd's record in those games is W9 D1 L1.

Yes, some of those were CC games but some were also difficult away games in the CL and PL games.....most recently 4-0 away to Bolton.

i think berba will do fine. if he doesnt score or man u dont win it wont be as berba played and rooney didnt, it will be that the midfield didnt have a great game.

anyways @ 20 TeniPurist, rooney has only missed 3 PL games so far this season, which were 1-0, 2-1 and 4-0. so he hasnt missed enough to comment on man u with or without him.

@ #2 come on enlighten us on this pun??

As a Chelsea fan, I think it's ludricrous that people think we're now favourites because Rooney is out. United will even more focused to prove that they can win without him and we have horrendous away form this season.

Sadly for me Chelsea seem to disappoint as soon as things look rosy for us.

Let's all hope that it's a good, fair game and that the best team wins.

Random comment: 'Unbelieveable Tekkers'

Re comment 14

Hilarious post BBoy.

I venture a conjecture.

Perhaps Jealousmonk is in fact Bulgarian and Berbatov is also the name of a Bulgar chocolate bar with a golden honeycomb centre.

Or, is there a vampire connection? Neck bite, crunch?

Please, for the love of God, enlighten us Jealousmonk!

Messien,

The blog was going by well without you then you bring in negativity with debt and flops. Dont know where any part of the article talked about this. Are you just upset that your team may win no silverwear this season, barring that pre season Shield?

22. At 2:45pm on 02 Apr 2010, messien wrote:
"Not even Chelsea could afford the amount of flops Fergie has signed. Berbatov, Veron, Hargreaves, Anderson, Nani.......All of these cost between 20 - 30 million!

Chelsea have 1, Shevchenko, even veron was half price from utd.

But Hey! when you spend that amount of money you win a lot of trophies with no repercussions and no one complains.....wait.....there is the d-word...debt....oh yes once everyone has realised this, the gold and green flags come out. no one complained when you were winning those trophies under the glazers. but now they must go? and they're meant to be the 'bad guys'?"

Hmmm, where to start. Firstly, none of Hargreaves, Nani or Anderson are flops and all cost less than 20M. All have won far more than any Chelsea players in the last couple of years.

As for Chelsea flops....how about Robben, Crespo, Duff, Sidwell, Pizarro, Ben-Haim, Cudicini, Wright-Phillips, Maniche, Geremi, Diarra, Huth, Del Horno........

A Chelsea fan talking about money....truly hilarious!!

I can't imagine why when scoring 4 against Bolton anyone thinks we might miss Roo

@25

Stats to show whether Man United win more with or without Rooney are meaningless unless you consider the quality of the opposition. Let's face it, if Rooney needs a rest, will Ferguson put him on the bench against Chelsea away or Wigan at home?

It's quite possible that United consistently pick up more points and score more goals without Rooney just because the games he doesn't play in are the ones they don't really need him for!

berbatov has had a good season in the prem league. 12 goals from just 19 starts. he very rarely starts in the 'big' games. the chelsea match is a huge game for him .

A Chelsea fan talking about money....truly hilarious!!


Almost as hilarious as a United fan calling the likes of Arjen robben, Damian Duff,Cudicini,Crespo etc flops-these guys all won titles (as did many of the others mentioned) at your clubs expense!!!

There is no 'pun' in comment #2, unless of course he's referring to the Bulgarian delicacy "Berbatov biscuit", which are sweet, delicate & leave you wanting more. (Actually its probably a very weak reference to Rooneys ankle, 'crunch' - geddit?, hmm, me neither)

Aaanyway, I've had a 20 month ongoing debate with a fellow red of mine about the value of Berbatov. I think he is under-rated, he thinks he was a waste of money. I reckon the next 2 games will go some way to showing what he's about when under pressure in massive games alone up front. Personally, I think he'll be just fine.

Rooney is crucial simply because he is a talent that Utd cannot replicate.

Berbatov is talent without attitude, to say that's his style misses the point. Being top class is ability combined with attitude. Rooney has it, Berbatov does not.

Talking of attitude, its the attitude of Chelsea and Bayern that is crucial. Go for the jugular, reap the rewards.

I really don't understand why people complain about his work rate. A striker like Rooney, or Tevez, who look so busy and chase down lost causes, is the exception rather than the rule. Berbatov, IMO, works as hard as most. In fact, I saw statistics for last season where, going by number of minutes on the pitch, he covered more distance, made more tackles, etc, than Tevez did. He just doesn't LOOK like he's doing this.

The key with Berba playing up front on his own is going to be to get midfielders around and beyond him, so he can play them in. Giggs and Park are going to be big for us in the next couple of games as they're the only players I can see doing this from central positions.

The problem with Berbatov is he just isn't suited to the Manchester United way. United like to attack by moving the ball quickly, but as soon as its played into Berbatov, he takes it into his stride, looks around, and poses before he releases the ball. It just isn't the United way.

Still, it is disappointing, because I don't think anybody could have seen that he would be so ineffectual at United considering how well he did at Spurs.

36. At 3:48pm on 02 Apr 2010, fillerywhereru wrote:

"Almost as hilarious as a United fan calling the likes of Arjen robben, Damian Duff,Cudicini,Crespo etc flops-these guys all won titles (as did many of the others mentioned) at your clubs expense!!!"

They were flops bought for ridiculous money and put on ridiculous wages while making little or no impact and being shipped out after only a couple of years.

And if I were you I'd steer well away from commenting on teams winning titles at another teams expense. The russians millions haven't quite done the trick have they? No title in 3 years and out of the CL before thye QFs. Stand proud!

Berbatov reminds me of Zidane, I think he is technically too good and he should be playing in the continent.

Have you noticed? players in Zidane's or Messi's calibre, never come to play in England, ask yourselves why?..Football in England needs a revolution, a massive change at the grass-roots, in the way it should be played.

Football is a beautiful game and requires technique, skill and the ability to relax and to be comfortable with the ball..all these components are often missing in the English game....it is still, in the land where football was created, Kick and Rush and grafting.

But as long as it creates passion, it keeps people happy, generate big money..No one is willing or prepared to improve the way football is played in England.

#30 Velocirapture,

a xenophobic hidden in a fail attempt of humour?

I can't understand what's the importance in this 'who bought the most flops' dialogue. Why are fans bothered with how another club makes use of its funds available? And who is the manager who hasn't bought the wrong players at some stage? What about the saying that dead men are the ones making no mistakes?

To be fair to Chelsea fans, though, it wasn't Murinho who wanted Chevchenko, if I recollect correctly, but Abramovic. As it was the owners at Man City who rushed to buy Robinho, to make an impression in football.

As a Manchester United fan, I am simply happy that Berbatov is there to fill the gap left by Rooney. And that's it.

@42. At 4:10pm on 02 Apr 2010, JogaBeautiful wrote:

Interesting view there but when you look at the success of PL clubs in the ECL in recent seasons it doesn't quite add up does it?

And when you say "I think he is technically too good and he should be playing in the continent." do you mean in Denmark or Latvia or just where 'on the continent' is this beautiful football played?

Stereotypical nonsense that doesn't stand up to any serious analysis I'm afraid.

Re 43 Soccer(? I think you mean football)_UK

Lol; Xenophobia = Fear of foreigners

Now, correct me if I'm wrong but where in my post is it apparent that I fear persons of a non-indigenous persuasion (yup, granted, I am probably adverse to vampires). I don't even live in Blighty fer chrissakes. I am a stranger in a strange land (Finland). Now please explain how a xenophobe can choose to live in a land full of xenos?

Jeez, New Labour Mandelson types are everywhere.

As for humour, hahahahahahahaha.

Come on Jealousmonk, get back to us unworthies.

Berbatov is a classy guy by the way.

Can we do a quick whip around for 50 pence to stick in the moderator as the power has clearly run out..............for the nth time!

I think Dimitar Berbatov has had an unfortunate amount of critics, whilst his price tag certainly hasnt helped him. When playing at Spurs, his performances were brilliant but even then there were times when he appeared as languid. Hes a player who will show his brilliance when required but if any fans expect him to make dazzling runs and take it out round everyone,then they should look elsewhere, hes an intelligent player with good technical ability and much different from past and present united forwards who have endless energy like Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo, but that does not make him any less of a player. He'll come good against Chelsea and will make the most of his opportunity, no doubt about it.

I think the problem was he was very much out of his depth when he first started as Manchester United. Before at spurs he was the star man, he took the freekicks, penalties was the top scorer etc. However he is just another player in MU at the moment. I hope he does shine however i won't be suprised if Nani takes the headlines.

Berbatov will in no way compensate for the loss of Rooney. Up there with the biggest-waste-of-money signings of all time. £30m for no work rate and flashed of brilliance? No thanks.

#46 Velocirapture,

perhaps your use of english language is what prompted me to respond like that, in that case. I am referring to 'bulgar' rather than 'bulgarian'.

Soccer_UK is just a nickname, chosen somewhat provocative on purpose.
Any objections? :)

United will need to support Berba from midfield, if not, he'll drop deep leaving Man U with no cutting edge.

So, as a Chelsea fan, I'd pad the midfield with people to pressure United, and stop the midfield getting forward, almost nullifying their entire threat, which is usually our kind of game.

@ 50. At 4:58pm on 02 Apr 2010, Gavelaa wrote:
"Berbatov will in no way compensate for the loss of Rooney. Up there with the biggest-waste-of-money signings of all time. £30m for no work rate and flashed of brilliance? No thanks."

'flashed of brilliance'? Not sure what that means exactly. Aren't cricket and F1 your preferred sports though??

I really turn to laughing when fans of opponents' clubs attempt to 'give Man Utd' a "hiding" for "flop purchases". Isn't it better to keep Manchester United out of this particular conversation topic?

To give an example, if SAF buys 10 so-called-flops, he will become my hero and if Man Utd suporters "wake up" he will be written in Manchester United's history for one more important reason.

Manchester United is a club whose American owners take out of the club hundreds of millions every year.
Manchester United is a club that Glazers bought, allegedly, with a 14.5% interest paying loan. We all may consider that interest rate when buying a T.V. set. But we wouldn't consider it even for a car purchase, based on a loan.

And you're talking about Berbatov being a £31m flop?
And you call yourselves serious?
You're having a laugh, as the popular ad-man would say :)

Would love to see Berba step up to the plate and do some justice for himself. He definitely seems to be making the extra efforts this season, its not so much when he's on the ball as when he's not that seems to be the problem but then not every player is going to run around like a headless chicken when not in possession.

He definitely showed some extra grit against Villa and its fair to say he pulled his weight and put in a shift. Played well against Bolton too, not only with the brace but the chance when he lost his boot was pretty impressive - there are a lot of players who would go down at the hint of a clipped heel that causes a boot to come off - but fair play to Berbs, he kept running and very nearly got himself a hattrick until he slipped on the bare foot.

Quality player - hope he takes the bull by the horns and shows us exactly why AF paid so much money for him!

@ 40.

I must be watching something completely different, because what I see is someone picking up the ball with his back to goal (quite often) and everybody else standing still expecting him to do something by himself. He needs people to support and get beyond him, I get really irritated when they don't. Too often he's left isolated.

*I meant flashes

Tomorrow's match at Old Trafford is not such a complicated issue.
There are three possibilities:

a) Man Utd win, with whatever score: we will be 4 points clear of both Arsenal and Chelsea and it will be the signal for the bookies to stop taking bets about the outcome of the premiership.
b) Chelsea win a draw: Arsenal, with a growin list of unfortunate injuries come back to the title hunt, but having to play at Spurs and a home game against a difficult Man City side.
c) Chelsea win and take a 2 points lead against Man Utd and, assuming Arsenal win, a 1 point lead against them. Chelsea still have to visit Spurs and Liverpool - hardly a walk to the title. In all fairness, on such a result, the premiership will simply go to the wire.

Whatever the result, it is not going to be tragic from Manchester United's view point.
Just, a Manchester United win and could be a signal to end of proceedings in this wonderful title 'fight' this season.

Re comment 51 by Football_UK

And I quote "perhaps your use of english language is what prompted me to respond like that, in that case. I am referring to 'bulgar' rather than 'bulgarian'.

This is unbelievable. There is a human being somewhere in this world that takes offence when Bulgarian is shortened to Bulgar. What a sad, pathetic individual.

Have you never used text or instant messaging, c u, b4, lol, MILF (mmmmmmm)?

Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez.

I'm flabbergasted and depressed.

Berbatov to score a hat-trick before Van Helsing shows up.

Truly great players rise like cream to to the top.
A great player has to have consummate ability but also the will and passion to want to be the best.
Ronaldo has it. Rooney has it. Berbatov doesn't. Neither does Robhino.
He has the skill but he doesn't have the drive and as a result cuts a lone and lonely figure on the peripherary of things at Man Utd.
He might shine in one or two games but deep down SAF knows that although he wanted a Ferrari he ended up with a LOTUS (Loads of Trouble Usually Serious).
If he really was the £30 million Dollar man, Berbatov would have had significantly more starts than he has.

Tomorrow match is just HUGE!

58. At 5:27pm on 02 Apr 2010, Soccer_UK wrote:

Whatever the result, it is not going to be tragic from Manchester United's view point.
Just, a Manchester United win and could be a signal to end of proceedings in this wonderful title 'fight' this season.

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I agree, if United win the league is over. Ever since United reclaimed the title from Chelski they been saying the current season is the most dramatic finish to the League in years? Everytime except 2006/07 season, United have won it with at least a game to spare. I wouldn't be surprised if that happens again. I'm guessing tomorrow will be a hard fought bore draw.

@ Velocirapture,

whatever. It's the only reply you deserve.

And this is because I am pretty sure you're aware that there is a great difference between the terms 'bulgar' and bulgarian' when it comes to a product made in Bulgaria.

By the way, using foul language is a sign common to someone preoccupied by xenophobia :)

Have a beautiful weekend. Enough with you :)

In my opinion this is Berbatovs moment.

Unfortunatly for him since he moved to united he has often been asked to partner 2 of the most energetic strikers in the leauge up front. As a result he often looks lazy.

Those who actually watch the games know he has been more and more influential of late, pulling defenders sideways and opening gaps for others, although his goal tally needs improvment.

I take issue with the fact that Fergie doesn't trust him in the big games. Anyone watching will know that while we ofter play 4-4-2 at home in many big games at home and almost all away we playe 4-5-1 with 2 wingers becooming 4-3-3 when attacking. Quite simply this formation only allows for 1 out and out striker, unless you play someone out of position, for a demonstration of how well that works look at least years CL final with Rooney on the left, a position he often played last year, compare his goals then to this year when he's been the target man and the difference is obvious.

So the above being true that only 1 striker can play in the big games, and with Rooney in the form he's in Berbatov isn't going to start many of them. However when you look at his performances this season playing up front alone when Rooney has been out (last week being one of them) it's obvious that the lone striker could possibly be his best position, or at least he looks better than when contrasted against Rooney or Tevez up front.

On a personal note I do feal sorry for Rooney, he was on course for the goals record before this injury. Hopefully he'll come back strong after the injury and both Utd and England will benifit.

In the meantime though I doubt any club would be dissapointed to have Berbatov as the backup!

60. At 5:41pm on 02 Apr 2010, TheGMen wrote:

If he really was the £30 million Dollar man, Berbatov would have had significantly more starts than he has.

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I dunno, United play one up front and Rooneys been on fire. At the start of the season Fergie tried 2 upfront but it didn't work. So anytime he plays now hes on the wing effectively. Its a matter of unfortunate circumstances I feel. I'm a United supporter and I love watching Berbatov and still think we can get another 2 or 3 great years from him. Could be the next Teddy!

Boston Legal is a great show!

62. At 5:42pm on 02 Apr 2010, VengefulRod wrote:

Whatever the I agree, if United win the league is over. Ever since United reclaimed the title from Chelski they been saying the current season is the most dramatic finish to the League in years? Everytime except 2006/07 season, United have won it with at least a game to spare. I wouldn't be surprised if that happens again. I'm guessing tomorrow will be a hard fought bore draw.

-----------------------------------------

Well, I suspect that this great run-in will deflate sometime pretty soon. Just, having lost to Bayern Munich in such a manner and having three very important matches in the space of 7 days (I include the Munich match) could take its toll on the players.

Tomorrow it's not going to be easy not for Man Utd neither for Chelsea.
In any case, though, this was always going to happen.
The plus thing, from Manchester United's point of view is that United's game plan will be far less predictable than when Rooney plays.

As I like saying "when a door closes, a window opens".
Additionally, if the United players need some extra motivation to play better, Rooney's absense provides more than enough.
Traditionally, Manchester United have the will, the experience and the way to 'mean business' in the business end of a football season.
Talking is cheap, though.
It's less than 20 hours to know, from facts :)

RE 63 Football_UK

Hahahahahahahahaah. And I quote, "I'm pretty sure you're aware there is a difference between the terms Bulgar and Bulgarian when it comes to products made in Bulgaria".

Of course I'm aware. Why wouldn't I be? I am internationally renowned as the Consul of Bulgar Affairs.

What a complete numpty.

I am Scottish and I will demand the UN Council stop xenos from calling Scottish people Scots. What an ignomony.

Berbatov to score 7 before Van Helsing arrives and declare war on all brainless buffoons, i.e. Football_UK

I agree with #58 - i don't think this is a title decider if Manchester United lose, but it could well be if they win. I just have a feeling that Liverpool (although they would hate to do it, but would need to for thier own reasons) will take points off of Chelsea at Anfield.

My prediction is a nervy draw - I just don't think Berbatov will have the necessary impact to unsettle the Chelsea defence. I hope i am wrong, and that we play with Valencia and Nani to provide some crosses into the box for him to get onto the end of.

I am actually more worried about the second leg of the Champions League - i can see Bayern scoring at OT, and that means we will need at least 2. That last minute winner they got could really come back to haunt us.

"By the way, using foul language is a sign common to someone preoccupied by xenophobia :)"

No it isn't. Odd to say the least. Not one jot of xenophobia on this thread. Some phantom protectionist tripe with the odd dash of bitterness though.

Utd to win 3-1. Berbatov to score twice.

@ Velocirapture,

my deepest apologies.
I really didn't know it's that serious.

I wish you the very best :)

I am actually more worried about the second leg of the Champions League - i can see Bayern scoring at OT, and that means we will need at least 2. That last minute winner they got could really come back to haunt us.

=========================

Spot on.
Had United come back with a win from Munich, I would be more than confident about tomorrow.
In the same manner of thinking, win tomorrow and they will be waiting for Wednesday, confident.

It's going to be a strange 4 days with a lot of 'ifs' and 'buts' perhaps.
Too foggy to predict.
At the moment, all I wish for is a good, fair match.

what are u guys talking about? he has been great in last month or so.
berba's best postion is behind the striker. He has superb touch and he brings in teh wingers and sets up the main striker beautifully.
He links up with valencia so well.

He is not a great finisher though. Nor is he the target man.
I am not sure playing him as a lone striker is the best option.
In that case the wingers will have to play further forward and little narrow.

I can honestly see it falling apart for UTD. I know this comment may offend most of the UTD fans on here but it is just foresight. I watched both the UTD V Bolton and UTD V Bayen games and in both UTD give the ball away time after time. Bolton were in essence the better side 1st half, yet failed to put several chances away. Baynen took theirs and I think Chelsea maybe less charitable.

So get yourself a tenner on UTD 0 Chelsea 2. (I'm currently batting 100% on my Old Trafford bets, picked Leeds to win there in the cup, 1-0 with Beckford, resulting in a lovely pay-out)

...Like i did comment on your blog last week, this match will probably be the title decider and im glad its finally here. But more importantly, Rooney wont be playing which gives Berbatov a starting role and of course a chance to prove himself to the manchester united fans far and wide. Im not sure if Dimitar has ever been on this kinda pressure before but i have a feeling he's gonna prove all haters wrong and show the world why he's the sleekest player. Statistics have shown that united have won 90% of their matches rooney did not play in, so im kinda hoping that tomorrow's game wont be an exception. Berbatov, please prove that you are no second fiddle and that you can sure handle pressures like this. Is it tomorrow already? However SAF wants to select the players isnt what really matters but how the players themselves can put the bayern defeat behind them and forge ahead, plus we are at home(O.T). Lets do it boys,like we've always done.

Real Madrid have today risked the wrath of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by planning an audacious world record bid for prolific Manchester United striker "Own Goal".

With 10 goals already this season, Goal is Manchester United's 2nd top scorer, two ahead of perpetually sedated Bulgarian hitman Dimitar Berbatov.

Goal, who regularly partners fellow Utd striker "Dodgy Injury Time Winner" up front, is thought to be flattered by the interest from the Spanish giants.

Own Goal's agent, Paul Stretford, told reporters, "Of course he's flattered, but he's a United player and he's very happy here."

"And apart from that, I'm not sure there are many defences as dire as Portsmouth's in La Liga, so he may not get the same service in Spain."

76. At 7:12pm on 02 Apr 2010, Gavelaa wrote:

"With 10 goals already this season, Goal is Manchester United's 2nd top scorer, two ahead of perpetually sedated Bulgarian hitman Dimitar Berbatov."

Poor wee lamb. Any post designed to extract the uric acid should be accurate.

Hilarious post BBoy.

I venture a conjecture.

Perhaps Jealousmonk is in fact Bulgarian and Berbatov is also the name of a Bulgar chocolate bar with a golden honeycomb centre.

Or, is there a vampire connection? Neck bite, crunch?

Please, for the love of God, enlighten us Jealousmonk!

--
Sorry, I meant 'expression' rather than pun. I wasn't sure "crunch time for Berbatov" and Wayne Rooney's ankle should be mentioned in the same sentence. :)

"I can honestly see it falling apart for UTD. I know this comment may offend most of the UTD fans on here but it is just foresight. I watched both the UTD V Bolton and UTD V Bayen games and in both UTD give the ball away time after time. Bolton were in essence the better side 1st half, yet failed to put several chances away. Baynen took theirs and I think Chelsea maybe less charitable. "

Yes, I totally agree.
I was petrified during the Bolton match. I was watching Owen Coyle giving instructions to the Bolton machine with such a finnesse that I was gobsmacked. Bolton must have had some 13-15 chances in the first half alone. I am pretty sure that United must score twice as much next time, to make sure that they'll win, because otherwise they're in grave danger.

Chelsea play magnificent football away. At Blackburn, they were magical. The ease with which they were creating chances and then spoiling them in the first half, was breathtaking. I will never forget their incredible fans' comments in such blogs, referring to their certainty on glory this season and how delicately perfect their team is when playing away.

I shouldn't mention the match at Stanford Bridge either. Only a blinded blind could support that United were better than Chelsea in that match, for the most part of the match. Only a genius can win such a foul, come the last minutes of the match, to secure that certain win. Of course it was the perfect foil scenario, because we know so well that you didn't beat us with a hefty score, not to betray your season's intentions.

And when do we stop talking this way? :)
I am well aware SAF ordered special nets, to not miss the pieces. :)

That article was written just after the Portsmouth game last month. Not an awful lot has changed since then re: Berbatov.

The man is a pure quality, I have been following him ever since he joined the EPL. We all know he isn't worth £30, but SAF would have get him much cheaper, if it was not the last day of the transfer window and if it wasn't the takeover for Man City on the same day, when they also put a bid for him.
Berba shines when he doesn't feel responsible: being a lone striker he is useless, hopefully hes got a partner in attack tomorrow.
Also, the reason he missed some games this season is that he was badly injured last December, and he has been delaying his operation hopefully till the summer, as he woun't be involved in the World cup.

Difficult game! Good luck Utd!

Dimitar Berbatov cuts an unemotional figure on the field; well, apart from the celebrations of the odd goal he scores. Statistically at least, it does not bode well for the lanky Bulgarian; 12 goals all season.

Yet Fergie, a manager renowned for a lack of player-sympathy despite previous good performances often cuts a satisfied figure after his performances, eluding to his play off the ball and often goal-assists.

As a fan, I am more inclined to those strikers with pace coupled with dribbling in their arsenal; a Rooney, Torres and Et'o sort. They're more in the thick of things than not. And with a player of Rooney's calibre and sheer hunger, you often find him marauding the defensive flanks and tracking back.

With a stage like Old Trafford those are the expectations and if the flick, through-ball and hold-up play doesn't deliver, your play must contribute to the all-round team effort.

For me personally, Berba has not delivered, yet. That said perhaps his style is more suitable to a Chelsea outfit. But with Chelsea and a Bayern Munich return fixture in the space of 5 days, this is his time to shine.

People were saying before the Bolton game, 'United will struggle to beat Bolton today without Rooney,' - United's response a confident 4-0 truimph, - albeit slightly flattering.

Against Bolton, Berbatov lead the line brilliantly, the position he will undountedly hold tomorrow, without United in my opinion a certainity to employ the 4-5-1 formation.

Vds
Neville Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Giggs/Scholes Park
Berbatov

As hindsheight would have it, I was actually calling for Fergie to bring on Berba around the 70 minute mark against Bayern for Rooney, as you could sense Rooney becoming frustrated. As sod's law would have it, we would not be facedwith this dilemma.

Nonetheless it does create an opportunity for Berbatov to impress, however all the other lads will want to impress equally as much.

They will be out to prove the doubters that say United are nothing without Rooney emphatically wrong, which I confodent we will do.

So to conclude although it is a chance for individuals to shine, it is a day where we will rely on a good team perfomance rather than individual brilliance, so my predictions for the games during Rooney's absence.

Man United 2 Chelsea 0
Man United 3 Bayern Munich 0
Blackburn Rovers 1 Man United 3.

People...
just some facts about Berbatov:
- 3 times top scorer in the Bundesliga
- almost 50 goals in internationals for Bulgaria (very very few current strikers can show those figures
- he has scored several times agaings both Chelsea and Bayern before...
- almost 50 CL games (for Bayer Leverkusen and ManU, including 2 finals)
- almost 30 years old... the most experienced player in manunited next to Scholes, Vandersaar, Giggs and Neville... he can cope with the "pressure" of big games ... probably better than young aggressive Rooney would (anywone remember a Portugal/Ronaldo/Rooney red card?
-Previously John Terry has had serious problems with marking Berbatov...

Football is never one player. If it ends 1-0 to United and he scores an easy tap-in... HAIL Glory!!! if he assists twice... hits the bar twice but ManU loose... he wont be remembered... It is not about Berbatov. Tomorrow is a new game between ManU and Chelsea. Everything can happen.

That is why we all love football so much :-)

Looking forward to the game!

Good news that he won't be out for too long, hopefully we'll have him back for the Manchester derby.

#79-Gret observations but obviously seen through those rose tinted spectacles UTD fans are brainwashed to buy. What about Leeds my son? What about a 2nd rate Turkish team beating you on your own midnen? What about a 3rd rate BURNLEY team beating you?

I know, Vidic and Ferdinand did not play? Well Ferdinand looks great against pace??? Bellamy? and Olic this week turning inside out like spin-top.

I would be worried lad, very worried, and if I was thee, I would take off those glasses and venture down to the bookies with that tenner I mentioned earlier. You will thank me later

Rooney back for the derby???

Rooney back for a good kicking then? The nation will once again be holding its breath??

Just think, they paid more for beebatov than Rooney. And look in the contrast of players. Rooney still scored when Ronaldo was there, you didnt hear much about Berbs then.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Remember Len Shackleton of Sunderland He was the Berbatov of his time a complete technician with skill to spare His footwork was brilliant but he was years before his time Hence his so few Caps for England. Berbatov is the same..I believe that for the Chelsea match Berbatov will pull out a great football game and show Chelsea and the United fans that they were all wrong. He is not lazy , languid but a thinking man with great footwork.

messien, post 22, what a clown!! The article is about Berbatov and you come out with a typical Chelsea fan/chip on the shoulder comments. Don't you worry about United's 'flops', you just concentrate on your historyless team, the OAPs. United will not need Berbatove to step up against a classless Chelsea team, our team effort will do it.
As for signing failures, remember Parker? Oh, and while we're at it you could even class Joe Cole and Wright-Phillips in that mould.........pathetic

Berbatov is essentially a squad player -- a damn expensive squad player at 30 millions pounds at that!

Yes the lad has a magnificent soccer IQ, but no pace means he cannot shake off defenders; and if you cannot shake of defenders, your quality & impact is little to none!

Of course, we could notice that Rooney is a better striker compared to Berba. However, there is no other choices from United. They have to use him, wait and see what will happen tonight. As a United fan, in my opinion, to have an effective form against Chelsea, United should have 4-4-2 form and use their both wingers to control the ball as much as possible to break Chelsea form which is very narrow to penetrate in the central of field. However, without Rooney and at the same time other strikers are less effective, they might form 4-5-1 instead, which is Berba is upfront man. We will wait and see which team can play better in middle field.

the most important 2/3 weeks in DimiSTAR's career

prove everyone wrong lad. go on

ref# comment 22
kk ill admit as a utd fan sir Alex not always spent wisely and paid though the nose. But he always cuts the cost down with wages unlike Cheski.
Who's wages are at £47 million a season. At least we only have pay the clubs millions to get players at the club and not the players.
With that said Berba will do his bit this next few weeks.
He a some times lazy player but thats his style. He on way to his best season for goals scored this season so i have every faith the will do well.
And Chelski have spent a lot time thinking of how stop Rooney and now its Berba and less time to work with.

UTD 2 CHELSKI 1
Berba score late winner


COME ON UTD COME ON UTD

Sorry Phil when was berba ready to shine? Someone should have told him!

Slow and anonymous against Chelsea he still managed to blow two of the best chances that MU had today: outscored by an 18 year old!

At least he regularly pushed his hair back and made sure he was presentable.

£30m+ for a guy like that? Wouldn't get a game for the Thistle!

Decent player, but not worth anywhere near £30m. I think that showed today. Utd are really going to miss Rooney. Bet Utd fans are getting worried about the Bayern game now. Utd - one man team? Discuss!

Soccer -UK

Did you get your bet in??

I made another killing.

I have a good feeling about Bayen this week. Do you want my prediction? I can make you loads of money for a 10% cut???


Come on BLACKBURN.

Hahaha, funny seeing angry United supporters, Berbatov did prove himself Saturday - that he is an expensive flop. United without rooney = mid table.

Alsiatir Rhodes - Joe Cole can hardly be that much of a flop, considering he scored yesterday.

WordsofWisdom - or not so wise, because those that you named either were good players who won us those two league titles, i.e Crespo and Robben or cost nowhere near 20-30 million

p.s
you can add Valencia to the list of expensive United flops after his non show at old trafford yesterday

Dimitar Berbatov is a hugely talented guy. In familiar surroundings at the OT the Bulgarian international could be the danger man for Manchester United against the visitors from Munich. Good luck.