Berbatov finally proving his worth

Dimitar Berbatov has begun his third season as a Manchester United player like a man with a point to prove.
The Bulgarian has been the subject of criticism since his £30m move from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 and it was even rumoured that he may move on over the summer.
But he has shown his class and goal scoring ability in the early stages of this season with four goals in five games, including his majestic lob against Chelsea in the Community Shield.
Because of his style, Berbatov has often been seen as lazy and lacking the desire necessary to become a United hero. But I believe he has been an easy target since becoming United’s most expensive signing.
In fact Berbatov’s United record is very similar to his statistics at Spurs.
At White Hart Lane, Berbatov was a fan favourite scoring 27 goals in 70 league games, while at United his worth has been seriously questioned despite scoring 24 goals in 68 games. This is a decent record, but following a good start to the season he should be aiming to improve and become a ‘goal every two games’ striker.
After all his performances for Bulgaria have shown that he is more than capable of doing just that, scoring 48 in 77 matches.
But now he has decided to retire from international football, following Bulgaria’s failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup, his concentration is fully focused on his club and winning trophies for Manchester United.
As a result the benefits of a full and successful pre-season seem to have given Berbatov the confidence, which seemed to allude him last season. Much of this lack of confidence may well have stemmed from regularly being left out of the side for the so-called ‘bigger matches’ last season, as Sir Alex Ferguson preferred to adopt a 4-5-1 formation with Wayne Rooney as the lone striker.
From memory, Berbatov did not start many games against the ‘big four’.
However, his excellent form so far this season means that Berbatov will surely start against United’s fiercest rivals Liverpool next Sunday.
And it is this game that gives him a great opportunity.
A goal against Liverpool would place him in the hearts of United fans forever. Just look at the fondness with which the Old Trafford crowd has for Diego Forlan after he scored twice at Anfield in 2003, despite a poor overall goal scoring record.
The next few weeks is an important part of the season and United need Berbatov to continue his recent form, especially during a time in which Wayne Rooney’s life appears to be in disarray.
This is Berbatov’s chance to step up to the plate. I just hope he takes it.

Image from theguardian.co.uk