Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he made a major mistake last season with Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov.
The former Spurs frontman, who arrived for £30.75million last summer, came under fire last season after not living up to Old Trafford expectations, but Fergie has said he played the striker too deep.
The 28-year-old started 36 games and scored 14 goals last term for United, but he often drifted in and out of games and was often disappointing in the big matches.
Ferguson said: "Berbatov probably suffered from a lack of confidence last season, he didn't show it outwardly but it may have affected his inner thoughts.
"But we were a bit unfair to him last season because we asked him to play too deep. We thought that suited him because of how he played at Spurs, but we were wrong.
"We realise now he is at his best in the final third of the pitch, where he's a real threat. We know how to use him this season and he won't change from that.
"Part of the image problem he's had is that he has this languid style of running. But although he hasn't the pace of Cristiano Ronaldo or Nani, he's still quickish. He is probably as quick as Rooney."
Berbatov was a starter in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea in Sunday's Community Shield and put in an impressive performance with his link-up play with Wayne Rooney a highlight ahead of the new season.
Sunday's line-up was a big hint that Sir Alex will partner Rooney and Berbatov together for Sunday's Premier League opener against Birmingham with Michael Owen set to take his place on the bench.
Fergie seems confident Berbatov can improve on his efforts last season and United's switch to a more conventional 4-4-2 might just help him along the way.
His partnership with Rooney has shown promise, but the signing of winger Antonio Valencia could be key for Berbatov with the former Wigan man expected to provide a fruitful supply line from the right flank.
Berba did show signs of brilliance in this game and was unlucky not to score. He seems to have good understanding with Park, surely this partnership will be exploited further by Fergie.
ReplyDeleteThis said, he's a bit of Le Sulk himself and probably made a mistake by moving to United. He's small fish in big pond now.
The Premier League opener is against Birmingham, not Spurs.
ReplyDeleteThanks John,
ReplyDeletePhil has just been given 50 lashes with the "cat o nine tails" for that mistake, he's out back having salt rubbed into his wounds...
Hi, I write you from Granada, Spain. I think Manchester has to do everything to make the most of Berbatov. This player can make strong another team in Europe if Manchester doesn´t make him happy. The premier has lost real cracks on last years: Robben, Van Nistelrooy, Xabi Alonso or CR9. I counsel you, keep Bervatov and others cracks, or soon, your team will walk short of breathe
ReplyDeleteI still remember the day Dimitar move to ManU from Tottenham, after long speculation. Too much was expected from him. I don't see a typical top gola scorer for EPL from ManU.
ReplyDelete