Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Berbatov out to put record straight
DIMITAR Berbatov will be aiming to exorcise a ghost if, as expected, he starts against Everton on Saturday. It was against David Moyes' side that the Bulgarian reached the nadir of his United career - with a crucial penalty miss in last season's FA Cup semi-final shootout defeat. It led to the £30.75m striker being lambasted by critics for his languid style and inconsistent performances in his first season at Old Trafford. And while there have at least been heartening signs of him warming to his role at United this term, the jury is still very much out on the former Tottenham striker. Berbatov's two goals for Bulgaria against Malta on Wednesday night may have made him his country's all-time leading scorer, but he is yet to convince doubters in Manchester that he is more of an Eric Cantona than a Juan Sebastien Veron. Three goals in his last seven Reds appearances represents a reasonably prolific strike rate, but the fact is Berbatov still isn't producing his best form on a consistent basis for the club. And if Sir Alex Ferguson is to turn the 28-year-old into a match-winner at the highest level, he might be well advised to seek counsel with Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov, who has discovered the secret to getting the best out of the enigmatic forward. His brace against Malta, which took his international tally to 48, followed a hat-trick on his previous appearance for his country in the 6-2 win against Georgia in October and a goal against Cyprus in the match before that. Admitted It is a strike rate that Ferguson has never been able to coax out of a player, who he himself has admitted he's not been able to get the best out of. But Berbatov's international record provides the biggest clue as to why his manager has so steadfastly backed him in the face of widespread criticism. Still, with United looking unusually shot-shy this season, Ferguson needs to start seeing results from the Bulgarian, with Wayne Rooney shouldering the bulk of the goal-scoring burden. There have been signs of that strain beginning to show on the England international, who has managed just one goal in his last seven appearances. It was the partnership between Rooney and Berbatov that Ferguson hoped would help make up for the £80m departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer - but both of their goal rates will have to be upped significantly if that is to prove to be the case. Ferguson initially signed Berbatov to give his side an extra dimension in Europe. And after reaching a landmark with his country, the striker is determined to add a Champions League trophy to his list of honours after being a losing finalist with Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 and United last season. "I'm happy with the record because it was one of my goals," he said. "I've achieved a lot and now winning the Champions League remains my only unrealised dream. "I took part in two finals and failed to win it so now I hope to make it third time lucky." Even if Berbatov has his doubters in this country, Bulgaria legend Hristo Bonev, who previously held the scoring record, believes he is unquestionably world class, saying: "I knew long ago Berbatov would break my record but I'm proud a player with such class did it. "He is a top player and I think it's going to be many years before there's another striker like him in the national team." Berbatov's impressive form is not the only boost for United following the international break, with Nemanja Vidic and Ji Sung Park are both set to return to action after injury. Rio Ferdinand's continued injury problems are a concern for Ferguson and it looks as though the England international will be out until the New Year as United try to resolve a lingering back problem, while John O'Shea is another doubt after leaving the pitch on a stretcher during Ireland's World Cup play-off defeat to France. Meanwhile, Everton's Tony Hibbert is desperate to end the Merseysiders' woeful record at Old Trafford, having failed to beat United in 16 visits. Unbelievable "It's Old Trafford. It's a great stadium, a great team and they're up there fighting for the league every season," he said. "We haven't had the best of runs and hopefully one day we can change it around. "The stadiums you play at week in, week out are unbelievable and United have got one of the best stadiums in the world. "You go to Old Trafford expecting what you always get. It's hostile, the fans are all going to be up for their players. But you just have to get your head down and play." And Hibbert is particularly relishing coming up against Rooney, saying: "There's always banter with Wayne and it's a good laugh."
