A £20 Million Bid for Berbatov Should be Accepted

Dimitar Berbatov

You could say that Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney are like beauty and the beast. Watching the Bulgarian with the ball at his feet is a joy to behold, as he effortlessly glides past players with the silky skills of a suave, smooth and polished perfectionist. Meanwhile, Rooney charges around, with his undoubted quality, bullishly tracking back, rocketing cross field passes and sometimes getting involved in incidents he really shouldn't be.

You wouldn't, for example ever see Dimitar Berbatov screaming obscenities into a television camera after scoring a goal. That isn't his style, but both players are undeniably Manchester United quality, and are both passionate about their football.

However, the rumours circulating claim that Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to sell the "beauty" of this pairing for an amount in excess of £20 million. Manchester United's top scorer, who is also the Premier Leagues top scorer with 20 goals, seems to have fallen out of favour with the United manager as his starts in games have become all to infrequent. Javier Hernandez's growing reputation as a guaranteed goalscorer at important times has seen him propelled into a starting spot alongside Rooney, whose place in the team seems more or less guaranteed.

Bayern Munich have apparently noticed this, and will reportedly attempt to persuade Berbatov to come back to the country where he made his name - with Bayern Leverkusen. The Germans are supposedly preparing a £22 million bid for the striker who was bought by United in 2008 for £30.75 million.

After two seasons which saw the Bulgarian score a total of 26 in 86 games, he was labelled rather harshly as "Berbaflop". He had cost a lot of money, and at his age, (now 30), it was beginning to look like a bad buy from Ferguson. This season has proved all of his critics wrong, with a stunning total of vital goals in vital games including a hat-trick against Liverpool. He has now almost scored the same amount of goals this season than he did in his firs to season's at Old Trafford, yet starting games is becoming a rarity.

I like Berbatov - he has grown on me - especially this season, but I think if United are offered £22 million like is being reported, then Sir Alex should take it. It would be sad to see Berbatov go after what he has done for United this season, and his incredible touch and fantastic hold up play will be missed by many. His calm, collected figure will be missed too, but at his age, £22 million is a fantastic deal, and one that will not be equalled in the future if this opportunity is passed.

United could use the money this summer to sign a younger striker or midfielder, someone who can contribute to the team for many years to come. A central midfielder is what is needed, and a player similar to Owen Hargreaves who is the engine of a side.

It will be sad to see Berbatov go. He is a brilliant player, with a unique style. Strong when he needs to be, quick when he wants to be, and deadly in front of goal - always.

A Champions Performance - A Vital Win

Dimitar Berbatov

Wayne Rooney's swearing fit of joy/relief after he completed his unpredictable hat-trick pretty much summed up the feelings of the majority of Manchester United fans. This was a man who knew he hadn't played as well as he could have in the first half, and the pressure had been building. He had started ahead of the Premier League's top scorer, who sat on the bench with his new short hair cut, waiting to come on - a call many United fans were asking for. But he proved everyone wrong with that third goal which hauled United over the line ahead of an irritatingly hard to get past West Ham side.

United dominated the play, but after two very avoidable penalties were conceded and scored by Mark Noble, it was an uphill battle at the ground where a second string United team had conceded four in a Carling Cup encounter with Avram Grants side. Sir Alex was frustrated by the situation they were in; "Being two goals down was a travesty in terms of possession and chances created." 


So, sitting up in the stands, watching his players from above, the veteran United manager was in the perfect position to decide what to change - and big decisions were needed. The big substitution at half time was taking the perpetrator for the first penalty, Patrice Evra off, and throwing on the baby face Javier Hernandez, a young man with a growing goalscoring reputation.


It paid off, and in the 64th minute, a free kick was won. Now since Beckham and Ronaldo left United, there  has been a distinct lack of goals from free-kicks, especially at vital times. As Rooney stepped up, many I'm sure were expecting it to pathetically rebound off the wall, but this was not the case. Instead, Rooney scored 
the first of his three goals, and United were suddenly back in the game.


An Antonio Valencia cross was brought down superbly by Rooney and he took a touch to smash it into the bottom left hand corner of the West Ham net in a delightful finish. United weren't going to stop there however, oh no. Typically, United would go for the win, and, with all of the momentum of a quick fire double from an inspired Wayne Rooney, they were in the driving seat, with no chance of hitting the breaks.


When the little Brazilian Fabio worked his way into the box and was closed down by Upson, it looked like any chance was gone, but a clever little flick which hit the defenders arm prompted Lee Mason to point to the spot, for Rooney to step up and place into the corner. It also prompted Rooney to confront his critics with his potty mouth in front of the camera, in the midst of being mobbed by his United team mates. 


The win was there for the taking, but United were not safe yet, and United fans would have been thinking back to the early stages of the season when late goals were all that seemed to be occurring. Nevertheless, a nicely played counter attack saw Rooney roll it to Ryan Giggs, who never seemed to stop after being moved to left back at half time, and the Welshman crossed it across the ground for his little Mexican team mate to do what he does best from a few yards out.


Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to moving eight points clear of Arsenal in the table:

"We played like champions today, we kept our heads up and didn't lose faith in our ability.

"It's never easy coming here. They are fighting relegation but we had to do our thing.

"We dominated that second half and it was a real championship performance.

"Arsenal have a game in hand. It could go to goal difference but I somehow don't think so."

Berbatov came on and played brilliantly. His touch is, as ever, exquisite, and his hold up play is superb. It was a small cameo that may push him into contention for starting the Champions League game against Chelsea, but in Ferguson's mood of playing Rooney and Chicharito may over rule again. That is the beauty of it though, because the bench is so strong - Nani, Michael Owen, Chicharito and Rooney started on the bench - showing the strength in depth at United.


It was a a Champions performance, and a performance that has stepped United closer to holding aloft that Premier League trophy, ahead of Arsenal who drew at the Emirates against Blackburn.

Michael Owen: I'm Fit & Ready for United & England Return

Dimitar Berbatov

Manchester United will have no shortage of strikers next season. Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov will be ready and raring to go as well as those young strikers returning from loan deals; Danny Welbeck, Kiko Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf. One striker whose future is still yet to be decided is a man who Sir Alex Ferguson has described him as "world class", with "absolutely superb" positional play, first touch and finishing.

Surely then, with those qualities, Michael Owen would have no problem in getting into the United side. On the contrary, because of a mixture of both injuries and bad luck, his appearances for United have been limited.

11 appearances this season due to the hamstring injury he suffered during last years Carling Cup final and other unfortunate injuries has seen him score four goals. Despite criticism of being "injury plagued", last season saw a fantastic return from the then 30 year old - 31 appearances and 9 crucial goals.
His last game for England was in 2008 which was incidentally his only appearance under the management of Fabio Capello. 89 appearances and 40 goals for his country however tell a different story.

The new man to Twitter spent today clearing a few things up on the micro-blogging site:

"By the way, to answer a common question: I'm fit. I was on the side of the pitch about to come on last week [against Bolton] until Jonny Evans got sent off."

He also congratulated Gareth Barry on the news that the Manchester City midfielder would captain England on Tuesday against Ghana. He also joked about his England situation:

"Congrats to Gareth Barry, great honour for him. Quite a few dropped out of squad, Mr Capello must be making room for me to return!!!!!!!!!!!" 

In response to some obviously derogatory responses to that Tweet, Owen followed up with this:

"I knew that joke would get a few of you taking the p*** out of me! You certainly need thick skin to play this Tweeting game."

Follow Michael on Twitter @themichaelowen 

Beckham Big Fan of Chicharito

Dimitar Berbatov

Former United star David Beckham has heaped praised on Manchester United's new star, and brilliant little goal scorer, Javier Hernandez and told the Mexican to enjoy playing for the "best club in the world".

Beckham played close to four hundred games for United, and scored 87 very important goals making himself the biggest name in football since his debut in 1992 in the League Cup against Brighton Hove Albion. Hernandez's competitive debut was a different situation altogether. He came on against Chelsea in the Community Shield, scoring his first goal for United in a 3 - 1 win.

This has been one of many goals this season for Chicharito and Beckham has been impressed with the 22 year-old:

"Chicharito has been exceptional when he’s played. He scores goals, he takes chances, he works hard for the team.

"It’s great to see that. It’s great to see a young player doing really well who is from a different part of the world. To go to Manchester United and do well is exceptional."

Hernandez has taken the place of Berbatov in the last few games, and has not disappointed, scoring two against Marseille to pull United through to the Champions League quarter finals. Beckham emphasized the quality of Hernandez, as Sir Alex wouldn't have him in the team if he wasn't good enough.

"He wouldn’t be in the team and he wouldn’t be scoring goals if Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t think he was a good player.

"It says a lot that he’s playing, it says a lot that he’s getting minutes on the field, obviously, the manager thinks a lot of him. Good luck to him."

The current LA Galaxy star finished by wishing Chicharito good luck in his career at United.

"Enjoy playing for Manchester United. It’s the best club in the world."

 Beckham's television career included his various Pepsi adverts and it seems the Mexican is following in Beckham's commercial footsteps with this new Coke Zero advert:

Video: Sir Alex & Phelan Laughing at Benched Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson had a good old laugh with his assistant Mike Phelan over Berbatov's moody expression having been left on the bench. Despite his team being involved in a very tense, nervy game which could have seen United knocked out at any point with a Marseille away goal, Sir Alex had time to have a little laugh.

Watch Goals and Match Summary here

Nani to Move to Central Role?

Dimitar Berbatov

Early in Nani's Manchester United career, he was criticized by certain football fans for imitating Cristiano Ronaldo at every opportunity. The nationality obviously can't be helped, but certain similarities in their playing style plus resemblances in some mannerism's prompted people to label Nani as a Ronaldo "wannabe".

Nani has recently asked to not be compared to his former team mate as he has been having a fantastic season as one of United's main providers of goals with 15 assists for the season as well as plenty of goals. But there is one area of Ronaldo's time at United that Nani would be pleased to copy.

Rumours that Ashley Young is pushing for a move to Old Trafford have been building, but one must ask where he would fit into the United team if he does arrive in the summer. With Antonio Valencia soon to return and surely certain to start whenever fit, Giggs signing a new contract, Ji Sung Park soon to return and Young best on the wing - competition out wide would be fierce. Alexis Sanchez is also another prospective winger who has been linked toa move to United.

Ronaldo moved from the wing to a central role in his time at United, and became one of the most prolific strikers in the world. He was able to make the position his own - pushing Rooney out wide and away from the goals, and fought for the title of the best in the world with his very worthy opponent, Lionel Messi.

What is to stop Nani doing something similar? Perhaps not as the leader of the line, but he could certainly cut it as an attacking midfielder just off the striker. Which striker may be the dilemma for Ferguson, as he has watched Berbatov become top scorer and Hernandez close behind, while guaranteed starter Rooney has lagged behind in possible the worst season of his career.

The more quality and creativity on the pitch the better, and Nani's much improved final ball doesn't have to be missed; Valencia's delivery is superb, as is Young's while Sanchez's ability to shimmy around players with his low centre of gravity could cause chaos among opposition defences.

Nani has all the potential to follow in his compatriot's footsteps - perhaps not to the extent of being worth £80 million, but certainly a very valuable player to Manchester United - as he has been throughout the season. Sir Alex Ferguson commented on the two Portuguese attackers in the past, claiming Nani has settled into English football quicker than Ronaldo:

"Ronaldo was exceptional, a once-in-a-lifetime player, but it did take him time to settle and develop in the English game.

"I think Nani has done it a bit quicker."

Chicharito will Thrive on Valencia's Delivery

Dimitar Berbatov

Manchester United may have coped well in his absence, but Antonio Valencia has been sorely missed at Old Trafford. His blistering pace on the right wing that has fans off their seats in anticipation - hoping, and often witnessing a dangerous delivery into a good area for the strikers to pounce on has sadly been absent since the wingers very unfortunate injury.

One loss in the Premier League all season isn't bad going for United, but boy would they welcome back their Ecuadorian winger who adds a fiery spark and invaluable energy into the United attack providing chance after chance for the strikers.

It is the kind of delivery that United's relative new boy Chicharito will thrive on.

Since Valencia's injury in September, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has proven himself as a deadly finisher, taking the nickname the "baby faced assassin" from United fans. His movement, his awareness of his surroundings, his pace, his vision, his unnerving ability to finish a move off with a delightful finish, have threatened to uproot a strike partnership worth a combined total of around £50 million in Rooney and Berbatov.

So just think of what the Mexican boy will do when he finds ball after ball flying into his territory - the oppositions box. I predict a fantastic partnership between him and Valencia in the future when the winger is fully recovered and back on form. It will be an exciting, and rather frightening prospect, especially for defenders.

Valencia showed it last season - his delivery and intelligent balls into the area helped Rooney to his highest ever scoring total. He provided the assists that Rooney has missed this season - as the English striker has gathered his lowest ever total of goals with seven (granted, the season isn't over).

With Rooney gradually building confidence, starting with his spectacular overhead kick a few weeks ago against City, Berbatov having his best United season by far, and with the little pea having an astonishing first year at Old Trafford, there will be healthy competition for the front spots. When Nani and Valencia occupy the wings, the strikers will have no excuses for a lack of goals, with the deliveries coming at them every two minutes, and hopefully the goals will come in, helping United to more trophies.

Exciting times, no matter what some say.

Man Utd Pictures Champions League >> Marseille vs Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov

UEFA Champions League | Round 16 First Leg | Marseille vs Manchester United | Wayne Rooney | Dimitar Berbatov | Nani | John O'shea | Mike Phelan | Nemanja Vidic | Darroon Gibson | Paul Scholes | 2010-2011

Mike Phelan Manchester United assistant manager-Olympique Marseille coach Didier Deschamps

Champions League : Darren Fletcher Man Utd-Edouard Cisse Marseille

Darren Fletcher Man Utd-Edouard Cisse Marseille

Champions League : Nani Man Utd-Lucho Gonzalez marseille

Nani Manchester United-Lucho Gonzalez marseille

Champions League : Nemanja Vidic man Utd-Brandao Marseile

Nemanja Vidic Manchester United-Brandao Marseile

Champions League : Patrice Evra Manchester United 2011

Patrice Evra Manchester United 2011

Champions League : Paul Scholes Man Utd-Mathieu Valbuena Marseille

Paul Scholes Man Utd-Mathieu Valbuena Marseille

Champions League : Wayne Rooney Man Utd-Edouard Cisse Marseille

Wayne Rooney Man Utd-Edouard Cisse Marseille

Champions League : Darroon Gibson Man Utd-Charles Kabore Marseille

Darroon Gibson Man Utd-Charles Kabore Marseille

Champions League : Dimitar Berbatov Man Utd-Charles Kabore Marseille

Dimitar Berbatov Man Utd-Charles Kabore Marseille

Champions League : John O'Shea Manchester United Laser Light

John OShea Manchester United Laser Light

Champions League : Luis Nani Man Utd Laser Light

Luis Nani Man Utd Laser Light

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£13 million Striker "a big fan of Manchester United"

Dimitar Berbatov

Asamoah Gyan, the Ghanaian striker who plays his football for Sunderland, had announced his ambition to one day play for Manchester United - his manager, Steve Bruce's former club.

Gyan was signed on the 31st August 2010 for the Black Cats for a club record fee of £13 million after catching the eye of Bruce with his impressive displays for Ghana in the World Cup. He scored three goals in the competition, helping his country to the quarter finals only to be cheated out of it by Uruguay and since his move to Sunderland has scored 11 goals in 25 games.

He said:

"Of course I'm a big fan of Manchester United and will like to play for them if the chance comes my way."

It would be unwise to say this and then not reaffirm his commitment to his current side, while citing the need to repay the fans for their continued support. So he did:

"But at the moment I'm at another great club and will want to concentrate on that and help repay the faith the club and the fans have reposed in me."

Manchester United look likely to be a striker down come the end of the season, as it doesn't look like Michael Owen will be offered a new contract after suffering yet another injury. However, I don't see Sir Alex making a move for Gyan, no disrespect to Gyan, but I think United would be going for a better striker who would be able to nail down a regular place in the team ahead of the likes of Rooney, Berbatov and Chicharito.

Man United v Man City: Preview

Dimitar Berbatov

Manchester United's unbeaten record may lay in tatters after the shock loss to Wolves last week, but they still have their unbeaten home record to cling hold of, not to mention being in pole position to win the Premier League title for a 19th time. They will host their fierce rivals Manchester City - a rivalry that has been burning ever more ferociously since the mass money injection that City have enjoyed, and their climb up the league table. United now recognise City as a threat. They don't like it.

A win for United will see them jump seven points clear at the top - a feat they could have achieved last week if it wasn't for Wolves, and if a win is achieved, it will strike another dent on City's hopes of winning their first League title in 43 years.

It has to be said, the omens look good for the men in red. City have won just one of their last 26 league visits to Old Trafford and have failed to score in four of their last five league encounters with their rivals. Consider then that United have the best home record by quite a distance this season, and the mountain that City have to climb is a daunting one.

City do have some of the statistics on their side however. As they travel to Old Trafford, they can remember that their away record is the second best in the League, having taken 22 points on the road behind Arsenals 25.

It must be emphasised though, that form counts for nothing in derby's. And in any case, whatever the form guide tells us about United this season, it can't hide the fact that the performances haven't been the strongest in some very lucky results.

Dimitar Berbatov, the Premier League top scorer is up against Carlos Tevez - a former United team mate, and current second in the top scorer list with 18 behind the Bulgarians 19. Both players will have their chances to build on those impressive tallies, and whats more, both could make themselves local heroes in what could be the game of the week-end.

Sir Alex Ferguson could be without Javier Hernandez due to fatigue after the Mexican had to travel across the world and back for his countries friendly against Bosnia in the week. The United manager will be without Ferdinand and Evans who have a calf and ankle problem respectively, so the youn Chris Smalling will partner Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence.

City will definatley be without England starlets Adam Johnson and Micah Richards, while Mario Balotelli is doubtful with a problematic knee injury and Nigel De Jong is struggling with ankle trouble.


Football fans will be hoping that the drab 0 - 0 draw which was witnessed between these two sides earlier in the season will not be repeated, but perhaps the Man City manager Roberto Mancini might accept that result now.
There will be top quality on show on Saturday, and anything could happen. Both sides should be eager to win, and as long as they are not too cautious as was previously witnessed, it could be an entertaining and enjoyable match of football. Much depends on whether the impressively good United or the poor United show up.

Manchester United >> Dimitar Berbatov Profile

Dimitar Berbatov

BBC Football | Dimitar Berbatov | Manchester United | Profile | Personal information | Club Information | Senior Career | Bulgaria National Team

Dimitar Berbatov striker Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov Profile

Personal information

Full name : Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov
Date of birth : 30 January 1981 (1981-01-30)
Place of birth : Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Height : 1.89 m (6 ft 2 1⁄2 in)
Playing position : Striker

Club information

Current club : Manchester United
Number : 9

Youth career

1991–1998 : Pirin Blagoevgrad (Bulgarian football)

Senior career

1998–2001 : CSKA Sofia (Bulgarian Football)
2001–2006 : Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga - German Football)
2006–2008 : Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League - English Football)
2008– ... : Manchester United (Premier League - English Football)

National team

1998-1999 : Bulgaria U21
1999–2010 : Bulgaria

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Man Utd News >> Berbatov will be offered a new contract salary increases

Dimitar Berbatov

Sport Football News | Manchester United Football Team | News Now Man Utd | Lates News Man United | Dimitar Berbatov Salary | Top Scorer | Bulgarian Footballer Player | Season 2010/2011

Berbatov will be offered a new contract salary increases

Manchester United News | Man Utd Rumours | Latest News Football | Season 2010/2011

Latest news Manchester United about Dimitar Berbatov's contract extension. Berbatov will be offered a new contract by Manchester United's management. Previously, Berbatov salary £ 100,000 per week. And according to rumors, Berbatov will get a new contract salary increases.

Performance Berbatov this season very well, now Berbatov has collected 19 goals in the Barclays Premiership. Berbatov while top scorer this season. The plan, on a new contract Berbatov. Dimitar Berbatov will get a salary of £ 120,000 per week.

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Man Utd Wallpaper >> Dimitar Berbatov Pictures 2011

Dimitar Berbatov

Manchester United Wallpaper | Dimitar Berbatov Man Utd | Berbatov Man United | Berbatov Pictures | Berbatov Wallpaper 2011

Dimitar Berbatov 2011 Manchester United

Dimitar Berbatov wallpaper Manchester United 2011

Dimitar Berbatov Wallpaper 2011

Nani and Dimitar Berbatov Wallpaer 2011

Berbatov Manchester United 2011

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£30 million Stiker to Sign Man United Deal

Dimitar Berbatov

Despite the loss to Wolves on Saturday, Manchester United have had an impressive season in front of goal, with their top scorer Dimitar Berbatov having grabbed a quite brilliant 19 goals in the League.

A man who was labelled "Berbaflop" after two disappointing seasons in front of goal at United has improved massively for United who paid over £30 million for him in 2008. He will now be rewarded for his efforts with a new deal worth another £20,000 a week on his current £100,000 a week contract.

The January player of the months' current deal has a year remaining, and the League leaders are keen to tie him to a new three year contract worth a massive £120,00 a week with negotiations expected to start before the end of the season.

Berbatov is unsurprisingly happy to stay at Old Trafford as he is clearly comfortably in his stride, showing the reasons Ferguson brought him to Manchester United or such a hefty fee in the first place from Tottenham.

Premiership League News >> Barclays Player and Manager of the Month awards for January 2011

Dimitar Berbatov

Latest Barclays Premier League News | Player and Manager of the Month awards | January 2011 Manchester United Football Club Dimitar Berbatov | Sir Alex Ferguson

Barclays Player and Manager of the Month awards for January 2011

Premiership News | Player and Manager of the Month awards | Season 2010/2011

Dimitar Berbatov and Sir Alex Ferguson proudly pose with their trophies of Barclays Player and Manager of the Month awards for January 2011. I firmly believe they shall be of the year as well... Go go go Manchester United!!!

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Manchester United 3 - 1 Aston Villa: Is Rooney Back?

Dimitar Berbatov

Before the game, Sir Alex Ferguson brushed aside the unfortunate fact that Wayne Rooney's goalscoring record this season has been poor, and stated that Berbatov was thriving on Rooney's hard work around him, and therefore the partnership is successful.

However, he will no longer have to explain the questionable goalscoring form of Rooney this season if the 25 year-old continues in this vain. Two good goals from inside the box; the places he was scoring them all last season, as well as a clever assist both helped Manchester United passed Aston Villa in front of the pleasantly pleased Old Trafford crowd. Were they witnessing Rooney's return to form that everyone had been waiting for?

Whatever they did witness didn't take long to unfold. A clearance by van der sar in the United keepers box saw Rooney bring the ball down with exquisite touch, and with a clinical finish, blasted the ball past a flailing Brad Friedel in the Aston Villa goal. This may have been the spark that Rooney needed to kick start his season again. He had already mounted on the right track, and now the engine in him was beginning to chug away. It will take a few more games and goals, but soon, Rooney could be back in full swing, speeding along the right track, smashing in goals, reminiscent of last season - well, hopefully.

His second goal, and United's, came just before half time. The goal highlights Rooney's need for service. This season, he has desperately missed the unselfish Antonio Valencia's reliably accurate delivery from the right wing. Today, Nani won the ball on the right, and emulated Valencia with a superb delivery into a perfect area - too far for the keeper to catch, and close enough for the striker to poke home. Rooney did so brilliantly, controlling his shot into the net with his left foot, and wheeling away behind the goal in a toned down version of delight- but delight nevertheless.

Just to put the crowd on edge, United slacked off in their defending, and allowed Darren Bent time and space in the box.  Stewart Downing crossed it to the English striker, and with the whole goal to aim at and no one to challenge him, Bent had to score - and he did. Aston Villa then had the chance to get back into the match, and grab an equaliser - much like United did in the previous fixture this season.

Alas, United did what they have done many times this season. That is, just as the opposition got themselves into a better position, and had the momentum to continue, the Red Devils killed the game. The killer goal in this game came from an unlikely source, and with an equally unpredictable finish.

Nemanja Vidic headed down in the box to Wayne Rooney from a cross from the right. He then began his movement away to give Rooney space to hold the ball up and find space. Rooney watched Vidic, and teed him up perfectly to swerve a powerful shot into the net as the helpless Villa defence watched on.

United have done it again, and remain undefeated in the Premier League. Berbatov may have not added to his growing goal tally, but Rooney has, and can use this game as a springboard to better things and finally redeem himself to the United fans after that transfer saga. Finishing with a quote from Sir Alex Ferguson himself on Rooney:

"The man's got a great appetite to play and everyone should remember that.

Should 'Chicharito' Be Starting Ahead of Rooney?

Dimitar Berbatov

One year ago Wayne Rooney was over half way through completing a season filled to the rim with goals. He was on his way to banging in a grand total of 34 vital goals for Manchester United with the hope of lifting the Premier League trophy for the fourth time in his successful on-field career. Alas, the coveted trophy was not placed in his hands to raise aloft to the Old Trafford faithful and scream with overwhelming delight, and since the end of that prolific goalscoring season, his form has taken an almighty nosedive to the depths of obscurity.

When will he surface? It is hard to tell. The 25 year-old United striker has scored only three goals this season, and despite creating and linking up well with his currently on-form colleagues of Dimitar Berbatov and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, he has not been as sharp or anywhere near as prolific as he and everyone else associated with the club would have hoped. The saying goes, "Form is Temporary Class is Permanent", and this is one thing that everyone must remember, because if there is one thing that Rooney proved last season that he has in abundance, it is on the field quality - class.

This is the man who was given the job of stepping into Cristiano Ronaldo's boots after he left, with the burden of scoring goals heaped onto the England strikers more than capable shoulders. He delivered that season, and perhaps even grew out of the boots he was supposed to replace, with him handing in a transfer request during the summer. His reasons were because he did not think the club had the ambition for further success. This is the club who is probably the most successful in English football and one of the biggest names in the world whilst being managed by the most competitive of men on the planet, Sir Alex Ferguson.

The hopes were, that Rooney would redeem himself by proving his worth on the pitch with some more goals. By deciding to stay, he accepted a hefty pay rise, one that is quite extraordinary, even for the modern footballer. £250,000 a week isn't so bad is it? But this wage has only caused problems. His supposed worth each week has not been lived up to with his performances on the pitch often being pretty dire, especially in front of goal.

United can thank the one formerly nicknamed by the tabloids "Berbaflop", Dimitar Berbatov for the unbeaten season remaining in tact. The Bulgarian has covered for Rooney's lack of goals with his surge of them, and the former Tottenham striker just can't stop scoring at the moment with 18 goals to his name, and currently holds first place in the Premier League's top scoring rank.

Rooney's other competition, and perhaps the more threatening to Rooney's first team place is the "Little Pea", Hernandez. The Mexican 22 year-old is adored by Manchester United fans thanks to his "head down - job done" attitude which has earned him 8 goals, all at very important times.

At Blackpool on Tuesday, United were 2 - 0 down, and playing shockingly poor. Rooney included. The game changed when Giggs and Hernandez came on, with Rooney departing. The final score? Manchester United beat the Tangerines 2 - 3, in which both Berbatov and Hernandez scored. I think that very game summed up Rooney's season.

But why has Rooney been so disappointing? His ankle issues obviously disrupted his progress, and in time, affected his confidence and form. The allegations and troubled private life also proved a punch in the gut for Rooney, who we'd all thought had grown out of this stage of his life while the abysmal World Cup performance drained every ones energy. Then there was asking to leave Manchester United. When you do that, you know there are serious problems, and the problems are not with the club, but with the player.

The very thing that can revive Rooney's season is the same thing that made last season so very special for him. Goals. A couple of lucky ones in a game, a few truly world class moments in 90 minutes, even just a few exquisite touches and passes, any of these things could be the trigger, the spark that could set off Rooney's season one again. Does Sir Alex play him in his bad form, and wait patiently on the touchline to see the transformation, or does he replace Rooney with the deserving Javier Hernandez while Rooney has (more) time to sort his head out.

Form is temporary. Class is permanent. Lets see the class player change his form for the better, and fast.

B'pool 2 - 3 United: This Is What Champions are Made Of.

Dimitar Berbatov

An abysmal first half for Manchester United and quite the opposite for the brilliantly hard working, passionate, dedicated Blackpool. The Tangerines walked off at half time to jubilant cheers from their home fans as their excellent performance featured two well deserved goals, one for former United player Cathcart, and DJ Campbell. Manchester United's unbeaten record was in serious threat.

United were wearing the white strip that saw them lose their first game of the season against West Ham in the Carling Cup quarter finals, in which they lost 4 - 0. The way they were playing tonight, there would be no surprise if a repeat of that scoreline was on the cards. The first half performance simply was not good enough, and reflected United's away record this season. Questions of Sir Alex Ferguson's formation were raised along with the dedication of United players, including Wayne Rooney - on around £250,000 a week, and not showing any of the quality expected. Overall, the United team, specifically the midfield, were n absolute shambles.

Everything was perfectly placed for a typical Manchester United comeback. The performance had to be one hundred times better if United were to complete it, and substitutions had to be used to shake some sense and really just a level balance in the midfield. Ryan Giggs was first on the menu therefore. He had been in this situation countless times in his wonderfully successful career with United, and if anyone could come on and instill the calmness and togetherness that he has experienced throughout his career, it was Giggs.

Berbatov, who had been non existent in the first half, began the almost inevitable breakthrough and comeback with a typical poachers tap-in. Wayne Rooney, who had another poor game, was brought off for the "Little Pea" Chicharito. The little predator duly equalised two minutes later with a slick finish, and, with all of the momentum on their side, Berbatov grabbed yet another goal to win the game, to take all three invaluable points back to Old Trafford while counting their lucky stars that the hosts crumbled under the second half pressure.

Conceding late goals has been an unwelcome feature for the Red Devils this season, and they had 10 minutes of stoppage time to concede a late one. Sir Alex didn't prematurely persuade the fourth official (Mark Clattenburg) to add on a colossal amount for United to grab a winner just in case they hadn't already though. Poor Rafael was hurt in a collision with Marlon Harewood, and was stretchered off with concussion. His concerned twin brother followed him through the tunnel, and to the hospital. Hopefully all is okay there for Rafael, who although he didn't have the best of games, has had an excellent season so far.

Nevertheless, United held on to the end, and showed all of their title rivals just how to complete a comeback against such an inspirational, passionate and resilient side in Blackpool who played in the first half as if their lives depended on it. United once again played terribly at times and got away with it with a complete contrast performance in the second period. It is quite brilliant, but crushing for teams around them watching, as Manchester United move five points clear and still - yes still undefeated.

Manchester United 5 - 0 Birmingham

Dimitar Berbatov

Ben Foster suffered a miserable return to Old Trafford, conceding five goals to the ever potent attack of Dimitar Berbatov with his third hat-tick of the season, Ryan Giggs with a wonder goal and a Nani strike that is becoming a familiar feature at Old Trafford. 

The Premier League's top scorer opened the scoring in the second minute. Some supporters may have been just settling into their seats, preparing for a tough game against resilient opposition, but no sooner had they sat, they were back on their feat celebrating Dimitar Berbatov heading in from a yard out thanks to a Ryan Giggs corner which was headed on from O'Shea at the near post to the Bulgarians awaiting forehead.

Less than thirty minutes later, and Berbatov had grabbed another goal, but this time with his feet. An attacked stared from the middle of the park and red shirts bursted forward in numbers, but only Rooney and his strike partner were needed. Rooney was given the ball, ran and passed it to Berbatov on the edge of the box, and after getting it out of his feet, struck it passed the helpless Foster.

The third goal Sir Alex Ferguson called "very, very exciting". In a reversal of roles, Berbatov tackled a Birmingham defender in the final third, and fed it to Rooney. Rooney then clipped it back to the Bulgarian, and ran down the right wing and waited for the return ball. He got it, and smashed it across the face of the goal for the waiting Ryan Giggs on the corner of the six yard box to blast into the roof of the Birmingham net.

United were on the attack again and again, but there was no goal for Rooney. He missed a golden opportunity too, as a Nani cross flew into the box, and as Rooney did so many times last year, he made his deadly run to smash it into the net. Unfortunately for him and United, the ball didn't quite make contact, and another chance for Rooney was gone. He was, and has been throughout the season, a creator of goals and not the scorer, and is still hugely valuable to United in this sense, but a few more goals would be welcome.

The fourth began from veteran keeper van der sar in the United goal. He hoofed it up field, and waiting on the left wing was Rooney to bring it down beautifully, and slot it through to Giggs in the box. The Welsh winger then hit it into the box for the brilliant hat-trick to be completed.

There was a little mix up in the United defence, a rare Nemanja Vidic mistake, as he was unable to get a cross out of his feet. The ball was taken off of him in the box, and it was crossed into flashing right past Edwin van der sar in the goal, only for it to be missed by Keith Fahey at the far post. It was an open goal, and all that was needed was a simple tap in, but the pace of the ball was too much to control from a yard or so out. Maybe this was what Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger meant when he said United were "a bit" lucky to still be unbeaten.

The final goal came from Nani; his eighth of the season, and he did it somewhat familiar fashion. On the right, he cut inside, and from outside the box, cut inside on his left and smashed it into the bottom left corner to seal the win for United, and cap a miserable day for Birmingham and Foster in goal.

When asked about the Bulgarian's display, who took his tally for the season to 17 in the Premier League, he admitted:

 "It was marvellous.

"He could have scored more and we were a bit wasteful at times with our finishing, but you can't complain at that performance.

"I think it helps when you score an early goal. When we scored they had to open up and I think we capitalised on that.

"It was a good scoreline at half-time, I was able to take Patrice Evra off to give him a break and bring young Fabio on. And then I was able to take Ryan off because we've got a big game on Tuesday."

I say it week after week, but I have no choice: United remain unbeaten. Some performances this season have been poor, and the Red Devils have come out very lucky to still have that unbeaten record, but this performance was certainly not one of them. Birmingham were totally outplayed and United sit proudly at the top of the table.

Arsenal beat Wigan convincingly too, and now sit second, 2 points behind United, while Manchester City lost to Aston Villa which sees them drop to third. It was certainly a good day for United, despite the Arsenal win. Maybe now United can sort out their away form and cruise to a Premier League unbeaten season with an improved away record.

Was it a Penalty? United 1 - 0 Liverpool

Dimitar Berbatov

Only 31 seconds in, and Berbatov went down in the penalty area through a challenge from Daniel Agger, and Howard Webb pointed to the spot. Liverpool fans would only have seen the following events in their nightmares, as Giggs stepped up to beat Reina, with replays showing that the contact on Berbatov for the penalty was minimal to say the least. It was the worst possible start for Kenny Dalglish, as he stood, mouth open in disbelief at the decision that had been made.

It wasn't a penalty. Agger didn't get the ball in his challenge, but the contact on Berbatov was not enough to bring him down. Berbatov claimed afterwards that anyone who knows him knows that he doesn't go down easily, but the challenge from Agger was enough to make him lose his balance. Two contradicting statements from the Bulgarian striker there, but the referee gave the penalty, and the game was basically won for United.

Half an hour later, and the situation for Liverpool became even worse. As a ball rolled in the centre of the pitch, Carrick and Gerrard ran to win it. Carrick just got there first, and nicked the ball away from the Liverpool captain, but with all the trademark passion and character that has made him a Liverpool legend and talisman, Gerrard dived in, intent on winning the ball and leaving his mark. He did the latter. The tackle was dangerous, he missed the ball, Carrick layed in a rolling heap on the Old Trafford pitch, and the 70,000 or so United fans called for Gerrard to be gone - all contributing to Gerrard's dismissal, as the United faithful got their wish.

At first glance, we may have said that a sending off was a tad harsh being only half an hour into the game, but Dalglish's accepting reaction to the replay confirmed that complaints to the red card were invalid, and Dalglish walked back to his seat without any complaints. He knew though, that the task ahead was a vertical climb up a giant mountain with resources that would not cut it. In other words, with the players on the pitch, and with the form they have been in, the task ahead was close to impossible.

United never really got into a groove. They were comfortable on the ball, and comfortable coping with the few Liverpool attacks that were attempted, but they weren't cutting enough or ruthless enough in the game to get the goal to seal the game off  - mainly because, they didn't need to. United were easily the stronger side.

The big build up to a game between two old rivals ended up with a match being decided by two big refereeing decisions. It wasn't the intensely gripping, passionate duel between two of the biggest names in English football that had been anticipated for the neutral, but the drama of the first half and Dalglish's return was enough to keep curious and nervous eyes on the game, and see United hold out for what ended as a comfortable but somewhat disappointing win.

Gerrard will miss the next three games for Liverpool, which includes the Merseyside derby, leaving Dalglish with the unenviable task of looking for some decent and affordable players in the transfer market to help get Liverpool's season back on track.