Sir Alex demands more from United strike pair Berbatov and Owen

29 December 2009 16:31
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov to take some of the burden off in-form Wayne Rooney.[LNB]Rooney scored one goal and created two in the 3-1 win over Hull, taking his season's tally to 14 in all competitions, with Berbatov benefiting to get on the scoresheet himself.[LNB]But it was only the Bulgarian's fifth of the season while Owen has managed seven.[LNB] Nice work: Rooney set up Berbatov at the KC Stadium[LNB]Ferguson said: 'Wayne can step forward and be the main man but there are a few who have to step forward in that respect. We are coming to the time now. The challenge is there.[LNB]'The league is so tight and teams are taking points off each other that you don't expect.It means a consistent run from someone will give them a great chance.[LNB]'Our experience of run-ins is good. We know we can handle that part. The important thing is to beat Wigan tomorrow which would put us into the position I hoped we could get to, a couple of points off the leaders coming into New Year.'[LNB] Any chance of a three-peat? Owen scored a hat-trick against Wolfsburg earlier this month but it was his first goals since the start of November[LNB]After a couple of lethargic performances from 24-year-old Rooney, his most recenteffort signalled a revival, one that his manager is looking for him to continue.[LNB] 'Wayne was fantastic on Sunday [against Hull}. That was the Wayne Rooney we know,' added Ferguson. [LNB]'He had a quiet spell for two or three matches but he was explosive at Hull. He was a constant threat. [LNB]'That is the kind of form we are hoping for because when he is playing like that, he is hard to handle.'[LNB]  Rooney fired up by fear of Fergie as he helps Manchester United strike backUnited place Van der Sar on indefinite compassionate leave to stay with sick wifeMan United star Vidic to be offered Real deal as Madrid look to bolster defenceREVEALED: How Manchester United and Arsenal are counter attack kingsVIDEO SPECIAL: Great counter-attacking goals from down the years MANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail