Saturday 13th September 2008. Manchester United against Liverpool at Anfield. Manchester United had included their new signing, Dimitar Berbatov, who signed for a fee in excess of 30 million, in their starting line up for the first time. Three minutes into the match, Berbatov showed just why Sir Alex had splashed the cash to bring him to Old Trafford, with a clever ball to set up Carlos Tevez to take the lead.
Fast forward to March 2010. Once again, Liverpool face Manchester United. However, Berbatov has to sit and watch the game from the touchline as an unused substitute. It’s been a difficult 18 months for the Bulgarian, with pundits and fans slating him for not only a lack of goals, but a lack of effort when he dons the famous red shirt. Word around the club in Manchester was that Dimitar’s days at the club were numbered, and that Sir Alex would be looking to recoup some of the money that was spent during the next transfer window. No one ever doubted his ability, but for a player that had commanded such a high transfer fee, fans expected more.
"I learnt English by watching the godfather" - Dimitr Berbatov
Fast forward another six months to the 19th September 2010, and yet again, its Manchester United up against Liverpool. However, this time, Berbatov is the man of the moment, scoring 4 goals in 4 appearances this season. Following Manchester United’s poor result in midweek against Rangers, a game which Berbatov was rested and Sir Alex has since admitted he wish that he had played the Bulgarian striker, Berbatov was back in the side.
88 minutes into the match, and as we had seen on numerous occasions during Berbatov’s time at Manchester United, his number came up on the substitute board. However, what rang out from the stands within the theatre of dreams must have been music to his ears. Over 75,000 had witnessed a stellar performance, which showed why Ferguson had spent over £30 million on the striker. The Bulgarian had scored a hat trick against their rivals, something which no one had done for 64 years. Whilst the marking might be questioned for his first goal, he still managed to get his header in the back of the net. His second goal however, will be one that he will remember for a long time to come. The goal was what we expect from Berbatov, a great first touch, an attempt at something many others would not even think of, and a finish that could well be a contender for goal of the season. What happened after that goal might bring up question marks over Manchester United’s defence, but Berbatov had the final say, with another great header to seal the match and his hat trick.
So many times last season, Berbatov was a passenger, whilst Wayne Rooney led the line. However, after this weekend’s match, roles were reversed, and Berbatov was the one playing off the last man. Whilst Rooney continues to struggle on and off the field, fans will be hoping that he can continue his early season form, and help his club regain the Premier League title. The majority of fans from the red half of Manchester this morning, will be glad that their club said to Tottenham two years ago, “I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.”
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