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Time is starting to run out for Dimitar Berbatov. Caught in the crossfire of Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-encompassing fury following Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Leeds, the Bulgarian striker is arguably the highest-profile of the seven players likely to be dropped for Wednesday’s Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City. It may be a seminal moment in Berbatov’s Old Trafford career: is this the beginning of the end, or merely a public dressing down?
An outrageously talented player, Berbatov first came to the attention of English observers with a goal for Bayer Leverkusen against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2001. His languid style, exquisite touch and prodigious finishing marked him out as a potential superstar, and both Arsenal and Manchester United came close to signing him before he eventually completed a £10.9million move to Tottenham in 2006.
It was love at first sight. Berbatov scored on his Premier League debut against Sheffield United and went on to form one of the top-flight’s most impressive strike partnerships alongside Robbie Keane. At times unplayable, Berbatov finished his first season in English football with 23 goals in all competitions, plus 11 assists, and was named in the PFA Team of the Season. His second season at White Hart Lane was similarly impressive, once again finishing with 23 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Arsene Wenger compared the Bulgarian to Thierry Henry, and he appeared to be on the way to becoming one of the Premier League’s most formidable forwards.
But his £30.75million move to United in September 2008 has seemingly stunted his progress. Despite winning the Premier League in his first season at Old Trafford, the Bulgarian was a distinct disappointment. Berbatov scored 13 goals in 44 games and his languid style – seen by some as laziness – did not sit well with United fans, especially when compared to his effervescent strike partner, Wayne Rooney. He also drew particular criticism for his dreadful missed penalty against Everton in the FA Cup semi-final shoot-out, when he shuffled up to the ball and rolled it towards the bottom corner, only for Tim Howard to make the simplest of saves. It was a moment that seemed to define a difficult first season for Berbatov.
If anything, this term has been even more of a disappointment for the Bulgarian. Six goals in 23 appearances points to a player not at ease in his surroundings. Berbatov has had his settling in period, but seems to be in retrograde. Shorn of Cristiano Ronaldo, United have needed more from their £30million striker this term, but he is increasingly starting to resemble a rabbit caught in the headlights.
Ferguson’s ruthlessness is what makes him great: he does not persist with underperforming players for long. Dropped from the team for the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City, and consistently struggling for form when his team-mates need him most, Berbatov seems to be careering towards the Old Trafford exit door. He may have just five more months to save his Manchester United career.
An outrageously talented player, Berbatov first came to the attention of English observers with a goal for Bayer Leverkusen against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2001. His languid style, exquisite touch and prodigious finishing marked him out as a potential superstar, and both Arsenal and Manchester United came close to signing him before he eventually completed a £10.9million move to Tottenham in 2006.
It was love at first sight. Berbatov scored on his Premier League debut against Sheffield United and went on to form one of the top-flight’s most impressive strike partnerships alongside Robbie Keane. At times unplayable, Berbatov finished his first season in English football with 23 goals in all competitions, plus 11 assists, and was named in the PFA Team of the Season. His second season at White Hart Lane was similarly impressive, once again finishing with 23 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Arsene Wenger compared the Bulgarian to Thierry Henry, and he appeared to be on the way to becoming one of the Premier League’s most formidable forwards.
But his £30.75million move to United in September 2008 has seemingly stunted his progress. Despite winning the Premier League in his first season at Old Trafford, the Bulgarian was a distinct disappointment. Berbatov scored 13 goals in 44 games and his languid style – seen by some as laziness – did not sit well with United fans, especially when compared to his effervescent strike partner, Wayne Rooney. He also drew particular criticism for his dreadful missed penalty against Everton in the FA Cup semi-final shoot-out, when he shuffled up to the ball and rolled it towards the bottom corner, only for Tim Howard to make the simplest of saves. It was a moment that seemed to define a difficult first season for Berbatov.
If anything, this term has been even more of a disappointment for the Bulgarian. Six goals in 23 appearances points to a player not at ease in his surroundings. Berbatov has had his settling in period, but seems to be in retrograde. Shorn of Cristiano Ronaldo, United have needed more from their £30million striker this term, but he is increasingly starting to resemble a rabbit caught in the headlights.
Ferguson’s ruthlessness is what makes him great: he does not persist with underperforming players for long. Dropped from the team for the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City, and consistently struggling for form when his team-mates need him most, Berbatov seems to be careering towards the Old Trafford exit door. He may have just five more months to save his Manchester United career.
Paul Marin -19 is one thing, 20 is a whole other matter. It gets even worse if they win the UCL. *groan*. 
05/18/2011.MU fans naah cough, but all a unuh a vomit?-Lazie 1/11/2015
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