In the immediate aftermath of Manchester United's comfortable 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park last night most fans reflected on what was a well earned three points that keeps United in touch with the early pace-setters Liverpool and Chelsea.
Although he refused to name names, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the club was working hard behind the scenes to secure the signature of a player, believed to be want-away Spurs striker Dimi Berbatov.
I am not the only one who would like to see an end to this long-running saga. Tottenham have realised that they need to sell their prized asset who has lost his motivation for life at White Hart Lane as the bright lights of Old Trafford await.
Manchester United could probably do with another forward but I personally remain sceptical as to whether Berbatov is the right man for the job. In any case, Manchester United showed what they can do even with a make-shift forward line.
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The key to success for Manchester United in recent seasons has been the flexibility, fluidity and versatility of their attacking options. Players such as Rooney, Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Giggs, Nani and even Anderson and Darren Fletcher last night are able to interchange and swap positions at will with the aim of pulling opposition defenders out of place.
It is a tactic which seems to have served the Old Trafford club well over the past two seasons.
My worry is where Berbatov would fit in to this system. The players I mentioned above, especially Rooney, Tevez and Anderson are really prepared to work hard for the side pressing defenders and chasing down loose balls. This is not something you often see Berbatov doing.
And with new goal-scoring sensation Darren Fletcher on fire in front of goal perhaps United don't need Berbatov's goals after all!
Berbatov is clearly a class act who has played really well at Spurs for two seasons. It seems likely that he will complete his transfer to Manchester United before too long and he could prove to be another effective option up front for Sir Alex but I remain unconvinced as to whether his style of play can be integrated successfully to United's—I would be glad to be proved wrong, however!
And when Manchester United have their full quota of attacking options once more perhaps the need for a striker won't be as strong.
So what does everyone else think? Do Manchester United really need a new striker? And is Berbatov the right man?
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2 months ago
I think Berbatov would fit straight into the fluid football style your talking about.He doesn't have the poacher style of van nistelrooy which I feel hindered them.He like the ball on the floor and can assist as well as he can score.He might not do too much defending but I think he would fit in perfect with Rooney and tevez.
from 2 months ago
Nice article by the way.If they get him I think he'll prove you wrong.
from 2 months ago
I would like to be proved wrong- as I say he's a great player and maybe because he wants this move so much he'll have to prove he is prepared to graft like rooney/tevez!
Im concerned bout the price tag too- looks like we'll pay £25m forhim whch is a lot if you consider when everyone is fit he prob wouldn't be frst choice - just a different style option to bring off the bench.
I wouldnt starthim ahead of rooney or tevez or ronaldo
from 2 months ago
I think Berbatov,Rooney,Tevez and Ronaldo could play in the same team.The Attacking formation is so fluid with them all swopping positions so often I'd expect them all to start.Not sure who would get dropped but i see them all as starters.
from 2 months ago
Players like Rooney, nani, Anderson and too a lesser extent, Tevez are not what you would call true strikers! They like to roam alot, doing alot of the hard-yards leading upto goals...which is great! ...but you still need someone to stay up front and be a little selfish in front of goal...Berbatov is that guy!!! The lazy rumours you hear are simply because he is a true striker! He is selfish, he stays up front and takes his opportunitys! Not many teams have strikers that have the kind of work rate of Defensive midfielder like we do with Tevez and Rooney! berbatov is just the man we need!!!
2 months ago
I think United does need Berbatov. He would fit in well with United's style of play and would make a major difference this season. But 30 million is still too much for him. I woulnd't want to pay any more than 25 mil for him.
2 months ago
With Ronaldo out for months, Rooney day-to-day, and Saha most likely to be sold, I think the class-act of Dimitar Berbatov would be more than welcome (and needed) at Old Trafford. Plus, United's signings have not always necessarily been players that were needed to fill a position, rather they have been signed simply so that they do not sign elsewhere (Carrick, Alan Smith, and even Rooney).
True, once they're all healthy there will be an over-abundance of attackers, but this is not Greece of 2004, it is Manchester United, a naturally attacking team always moving forward, looking to counter, etc. With arguably the most elite central defence/midfield (Ferdinand, Vidic, and Hargreaves) in Europe if not the world (and more-than-capable fullbacks in Neville and Evra), playing one or two more attack-oriented players around them isn't really a considerable gamble.
I am excited to see what Sir Alex makes of his options and hopefully more trophies are on the way.
2 months ago
Berbatov is da man for United. he has all the makes of a striker needed in theteam. do you remember Van Nielsterooy? Berbatov will prove the author wrong if he signs!!
2 months ago
Now the vacant #9 jersey is all his...
(Berbatov's)
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