Dimitar used to be a player that split opinion amongst Manchester United fans but slowly the tide has turned as more and more fans are losing/have lost patience with him.
In Wayne Rooney’s injury enforced absence towards the end of the season Berbatov failed to rise to the occassion and some fans (wrongly) blame him for our faltering title charge.With a fee as big as his the expectation was always going to be high, but a return of just 26 goals in two seasons has seen the knives out for Berbatov.
As the season ended Berbatov was linked with moves to Italy and Germany and with both Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex confirming that reinforcements were needed up top it looked like Berbatov could be sold to raise funds for a new striker. The likes of David Villa, Sergio Aguerro and Luis Suarez would all command big fees (Villa has joined Barca for £34.2m) and the sale of Berbatov would have gone some way to help with a purchase but Sir Alex has now reiterated that Dimitar Berbatov will not be going anywhere this summer.
From the reports I have read, it is being made out that we as fans are in uproar that Berbatov is being kept but I don’t think this is terrible news. Of course like everyone else I would like to see Rooney well supported as he, one man, can’t pose our only goal threat but towards the end of the season it became painfully obvious that Berbatov was suffering from lack of confidence.
A new season could allow afford him the chance of somewhat of a new start. Yet in the same breath if it doesn’t work out and we don’t bring in new striking options we could find ourselves caught cold. There are reports today that Rooney will miss the start of the season and if this is the case we could be giving ourselves a mountain to climb in the league.
Berbatov’s case is a very delicate one and can go either way. I’m inclined to think that due to his previous record we should bring in another striker but with a bit of confidence and support Berbatov could deliver, I think it is up to Berbatov to stand up and be counted.
im all for keeping berba next season. adds something different, and at the right time can be used to change the shape of a game. i,d try get a CF like fabiano on the cheap as he can play as the lone man when rooney is rested/injured.
I’m with you on being a bit torn over Berba. I probably defended him longer than most, but did lose patience towards the end of the season. That being said, he will never be a good lone striker, so it was a bit unfair to expect him to fill Rooney’s void.
Though the 4-5-1 formation (usually with Berba on the bench) was often successful last season, I don’t know how sustainable it is considering it is completely reliant on Rooney. A 4-4-2 may be more sustainable over the course of a season and would also give the chance for Berba (and others) to actually prove themselves with playing time.
For the few games Fergie actually started Berba and Rooney together, I thought it was generally pretty good and could only get better with consistency.
I won’t rule out that it could be a mistake in keeping Berba, but I won’t rule out the potential positives either.