The matter of the Manchester United enigma named Dimitar Berbatov was only brought up in these columns a few weeks ago but his performances since, culminating in last Sunday’s somewhat petulant display at Ewood Park, has put the Bulgarian’s name back on everyone’s lips.
It may be timely therefore to revisit the question of where he goes from here because his time at Old Trafford could well be coming to an end.
That 7-2 demolition of AC Milan over two legs was the sort of highly professional performance that fans and the whole of Europe have come to expect from whatever side Sir Alex Ferguson decides to select. It did not take a genius to predict that Wayne Rooney would dominate the headlines with his total of four goals but there was clearly far more than the Roo factor involved.
Every red played a significant role in those two polished displays including goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar who did whatever was required on the few occasions he was tested. Perhaps the surprise package for most United fans however was the often underrated South Korean midfielder Ji-sung Park.
A casual swing of his boot to release Antonio Valencia, a good cross to Wayne Rooney and the West Ham defence was breached. That incisive move was repeated early in the second half with what appeared to be ridiculous ease. A cleverly disguised pass inside a defender, Valencia puts it on the head of Rooney and to all intents and purposes the three points were in the bag!
While the roles of Valencia and Rooney must not be underestimated, the key man in the instigation of these moves was.…Dimitar Berbatov! Yes, the same Berba who has managed to divide the Old Trafford faithful ever since his big money move from Tottenham at the start of last season.
