There are few player's plying their trade in Europe that polarize opinion as much as Dimitar Berbatov. For some, he is a maverick talent, capable of abrupt poetry in the midst of the maelstrom that is the English premiership. For others his inability to garnish his natural talent with diligent work renders him a liability. The assertion has also been made that a side such as United are at their most potent when playing with pace, highlighted by their scatter-gun assault on Arsenal two weeks ago. With Wayne Rooney at his bulldog best, supported by Nani and Ji-sung Park, Arsenal were rendered helpless by the force of United's counter-attacking. The argument goes that a player such as Berbatov does not possess the pace needed to supplement such a game and there is merit in this. Berbatov is at his most effective playing at the edge of the box, using his balance and natural control to find space where others cannot. His game is not built for the counter attack but United need more than one way to play and the Bulgarian offers them one.
As Sir Alex Ferguson was closing in on Berbatov he remarked that “We have made a bid for one player who would enhance us a great deal.” That he believed Berbatov would enhance the then champions of Europe shows just how highly Ferguson rated him. A plan must have been hatched in Ferguson's mind to utilise the unique gifts of the Bulgarian, especially having watched him demonstrate those gifts against United. The comparison with that other Ferguson project; Seba Veron is valid. Both were mercurial players whose talents need to be channeled properly. Perhaps Ferguson, aware of his failure to evolve his side after the triumph of 99, felt that he needed a different threat. But many at the time of the signing wondered with Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo all still at United, was it a star too much? Berbatov, despite some sublime moments and a decent goal return struggled to fit into the side. This season was suppose to herald a new beginning for him and despite already equalling his goal tally in the league from last season with eleven games left, He has yet to convince all that he is an integral part of the side. So is he failing United? or are United failing him?
The answer lies somewhere in the middle. There can be no doubt that Berbatov can be his own worst enemy at times. For every hoof in the sky plucked with imperious ease, there are self serving flicks to no-one. The fact that no match report goes by without mentioning his name along with languid tells it own story about his work-rate. But there are other factors in his difficulty. He has been carrying a well-documented knee injury and the infrequent nature of his appearances based on injury or formation stops any momentum he may have built up. The inconsistency of United in general has unhinged him and the lack of any patience from the stands cannot help anyone who's confidence is falling. It may not work for Dimitar Berbatov at Manchester United, but if his injury subsides, if he finally finds his place in the side, and if in one moment in one big game he becomes the difference, the maverick can shine. A lot of imponderables, but it was ever thus for United's number nine.
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