Aug 18
The Tuesday Tantrum: A Burning Berbatov Cocktail
Elegant. Graceful. Patient. Methodical. If you could lineup your knuckles perfectly, would you knock out every single teeth in Berbatov’s mouth? Or would you leave one individual front tooth hanging, a testament to the depths of your disdain?
Sir Alex fielded a slick-passing 4-4-2 against Birmingham, with Scholes and Fletcher providing muscle and Nani and Valencia as delegated flair specialists. The movement, combination play, and awareness impressed in all regions of the field. All, that is, but one.
Berbatov was the desolate island amid a tidal wave of counter attacks. His game suffers from chronic Veronitis – a strong preference to lay off the ball, apply minimal pressure, and hope to sneak by the offside trap. Like Veron, the two are continental kings, but such fine wine tastes sour with the fish and chips of the Premiership.
To retain its crown, United needs three points home-and-away from Birmingham, Hull, Wolverhampton, and Stoke. While continental defenders may pass circles around advancing forwards, high pressure against lower tier Premier League sides is a recipe for quick and relatively easy goals. But to pressure, the fitness and conviction must be present.
When was the last time you saw Berbatov run onto a 50-50 ball against a rival goalkeeper? Or the last time he went to ground for a tackle? Yes, he does drop back and help with link-up play from time-to-time, but rarely will he make a defender sweat in his own box.
Never have I wanted to impersonate a drill sergeant and shake a player more badly than Berbatov. Until his game develops an aggressive edge, he will be the major malfunction in the United offensive machine. I respect his game, but it’s not suited to the the west side of the channel. Compared to his peers, he is indecisive, slow, and hesitant.
Elliott is the editor of the excellent Futfanatico blog.
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Tags: Opinions/Columns
August 18th, 2009 at 8:41
Wrong. Just wrong. He’s not perfect, but it’s not his lack of grit and determination that prevents him being effective. Citing the example of closing down a keeper is just silly at this level. Yes, once a season, somewhere in Europe’s top flights, 1 keeper will waste too much time and a ball will fall kindly for someone else and they’ll score. But the rest of hte time you’ll just have a striker who knackers himself running 30 yards there and back for no gain. And when his defense then hammers a ball over the top for him to get onto, he won’t be able to.
I agree that Berbatov didn’t work amazingly well for us last year, though we still did alright to be fair. He has improved, and the pre-season/last two games he has actually been tracking back and making tackles. Not in a stupid, terrier-like way like Tevez, but in a controlled, sensible, ‘he’s close enough for me to actually make a difference’ way. He could have easily had a goal and a penalty yesterday, if not for good defending on the line/bad refereeing. At which point I’d imagine we wouldn’ tbe having this conversation.
Too many people want him to fail. I can’t work out why. Is it a dislike of European style skill? The Veron experience? It’s like people would rather have Emile Heskey up there, at least he works hard. Just rubbish.
August 18th, 2009 at 8:46
Unrelated, but watched the reserves last night in some cup final against Bolton. To be fair to the lads, Bolton fielded a pretty decent squad (including a back 4 with Nicky Hunt, Danny Shittu and J. Lloyd Samuel) but we looked pretty poor.
Worst player by far was Stewart out on the right wing. It was actually team suicide to play the ball to him. Felt kind of bad for him after a while. But of course, the players that matter:
Welbeck – Looked lively and kind of dangerous. Has great touch and a lanky, hard to tackle dribble style. Also a willingness to shoot. However, at the moment makes decisions with little to no use of his brain, so continually gave away possession. Certainly not the quality of Rossi when I used to watch him for the reserves. (or Ebanks Blake for that matter)
Macheda – Even more dissapointing. Utterly anonymous, but for some stupid attempts to dribble past the whole defence and failing. He did score the winner, and did try hard, btu had no first touch, I’m not even sure he took a shot all match (his goal was a header). Really, really dissapointing.
Tosic – Looked pretty handy, created our best chance in the first half. Went off injured in a fairly innocuous challenge. He’s quite tricky and smart. Has a bit of guile to him, which partly makes up for his lack of physical presence. Could yet be a useful sub I think.
Everyone else – meh.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:16
@Beachryan: I totally agree with that.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:30
@Beachryan: +1
Mate, you’re saying he doesnt defend in the box, and doesnt attack keepers? If you wanted a player that does that, we should have signed tevez if im honest.
I want strikers that are goal threats. Not strikers that give us useless energy.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:33
Disagree totally with this article
Last season, people were complaining that he does not track back and just stands but in the two games played so far, Berba has showed that he has improved on that particular aspect of his game. He was outstanding against Chelsea until the midfield decided to switch off and he was good, not great, but good against Birmingham.
He will provide us with goals, I’m positive about that.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:14
What a simplistic blog.
Almost unworth of areply, except to say that Berbatov showed at Spurs that he can compliment the “fish and chips” of the prem without a problem. By the way the fish and chips / wine analogy was very poor.
Last season he was asked to play very deep and was mixing up with the midfielders against his usual striking instincts. Now he’s being asked to play further upfront but it is a team that is still coming to grips with like after Ronaldo and a more rigid 4-4-2 system.
How often did we see Rooney dropping deep or floating left leaving Berba all alone?
Last season he showed that he is capable of holding up the ball even when two or three defenders are pressuring him, but he needs to know he’ll have an outlet.
Stranded up front without an outlet on many occasions, what is he supposed to do? Even Drogba would just roll the ball back and retain possession rather than give it away cheaply.
I was under the impression that a little bit of football knowledge was required to write such blogs, but apparently not.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:22
Agree completely with this article.. He must be the most talented player ever who simply gives out the aura that he will not score. Its not so much his lack of hustling and bustling Tevez style, but the general sluggishness he brings to the team as a whole. For example, in the Brum game, I counted atleast half a dozen occassions when we were on the break, the ball fell to berba, and despite Rooney/Nani/Valencia being wide open, he chose to trap, turn, and finally pass the ball back into midfield. Nani and Valencia pumped atleast 2 dozen crosses into our box, how many did Berba attack? He is always too bloody far back.
Another problem I see is that Fergie cant seem to figure out his best position. Is he a front man, whom Rooney can play off? or is he a 2nd striker, who can create? He ahs been tried in both roles, with no noticeable difference. I dont doubt his quality, he has possibly the best first touch in world football, and also has a thinking brain on his head. But I still dont think he is best suited to United. Rooney and Berba as a combination will never be as lethal a combination as Gerrard/Torres, and trying Berba/Owen would mean shunting Rooney out wide.
Berba is a quality player, who would be brilliant in Italy/Spain, where his lack of energy would not be so much of a problem and his guile could be fully exploited. For United, I feel he is a luxury player, someone who is nice to have just for his class, but not someone whom you would depend on to score that 92nd minute winner.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:24
It seems this article was based on Berbatov’s performances last season which many people seem to think were lazy and ineffective but if you were to actually look at the stats then you would be proven wrong – 14 goals, most assists for the club (second highest in the league). He has shown that he has what it takes to be a class goal threat in the premiership at Spurs (22 league goals and a load more assists in each of his seasons there when lined up in the centre strike partnership), Fergie has come out and said that he used Berba too deep last season which is why you didn’t seem him break into the box too much, I think you will see a lot more of the Berba we saw at Tottenham this year as he will be deployed as the front of our attack, feeding the ball for Owen and Rooney and tearing teams apart.
Tevez gave us energy and hounding but it inevitably didn’t lead to much – Berba gives us control, vision, that bit of magic to break open stubborn defences where we need it most. From the pre-season games and the first half against Chelsea things are looking great, and I am sure that the Berba-Rooney partnership will become one of the best in the world, with Owen coming in as the fox-in-the-box we have been missing for a few years now – helping us to add something different when we need to nick a point or grab all three.
I still think where we may struggle is adding goals from our midfield – I love Carrick and I think he is still hugely underrated but he does not offer the goal threat of Lampard, Gerrard and Fabregas. I am hoping that Anderson will deployed a little further up the pitch this year and start to show the composure in front of goal that he possessed for Porto!
August 18th, 2009 at 10:36
Berbatov was good yesterday, he got himself into good positions. The advantage we have with the Rooney-Berba partnership as was seen is that they can interchange their positions. We could see Rooney dropping deep and Berba doing that on some occasions. The problem with having a striker like Owen is that sometimes he can be marked out of the game. I like the Rooney-Berba partnership and they linked up really well.
Just like mid-fielders, the best strike partnerships are those where one striker is always looking to set up the other and they worked in tandem against Brum. Berba got almost three chances to score.
The only worrying sight was when Valencia and Nani had the ball to cross, we never had enough players in the box to attack those crosses. That makes Rooney’s goal look even more impressive, he has really improved that aspect of the game, getting to the end of crosses. He had an another one miss by a whisker.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:38
I do not have a problem with Berbatov from a defensive standpoint. For me the real problem is that he doesn’t trouble defences enough. He disappears in games and rarely gets more than a shot on goal each game. For a tall guy he is also not much of an aerial threat.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:54
@Scorp: Quote – “Berba ALMOST got three chances!.” And there you have it mate, in a nutshell. It is always ALMOST with Berba, and never quite there. I WAS convinced that Berba just needed time to be great for us, and supported him fiercely. Now my confidence in Berba ever really doing it for us is diminishing by the day!
August 18th, 2009 at 10:55
He hasn’t really had time. The onyl extended run he’s had in the team was at hte turn of the year, and he scored a chunk of our goals. He was consistently left out, and barely ever partnered another striker up front.
It’s been two games with him and Rooney at the top of the pitch. Let’s give them 10 before we write it off.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:56
@Vivek: Berbatov scored in the last minute against Bolton last season to send us top.
Teddy was a similar player,a lazy,elegant player.He came of the bench to score probably our most important goal ever. So slating Berba because he doesn’t show his energy running around is ridiculous.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:59
@Craig Mc: That almost goals were not his fault. He had one cleared off the line, should have been awarded a penalty and was blatantly fouled at the edge of the box when he was on a one-on-one situation only for the ref to turn down those appeals ( appeal is a strong word for Berba, he doesn’t even appeal for penalties
)
August 18th, 2009 at 11:07
Our goal came partially due to Berba’s awareness of Nani on the left. I for one will be giving him more than a few games before I dismiss him as a player who doesn’t fit our system.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:19
@Scorp: Not trying to throw a spoke in the wheel Scorp, but last season Ronaldo took a good few opposition defenders away from other strikers, so Berba did find more room to sneak in and get the Bolton goal, and other goals incidentally. This season is an entirely different kettle of fish, and time will reveal all.
I do agree with you though – that Brummie players targeted Berba for special ‘Dish it to him’ treatment. He seemed to be more heavily marked, and crowded out than any other player. Obviously a blatant attempt to stop him from orchestrating anything, and nullify his contribution to the game. On the other hand, when he did have the ball, he was so mind numbingly slow and juggling with the ball, that the flow of our game was to the wings was impeded! Be honest Scorp – didn’t you think Michael Owen loses his markers, and finds space better than Berba? Because from what I see, little Mickey is better at it
.
You are right though, he could have had 3 goals, and should have had a penalty, which I think the ref would have had to think about more, if Berba hadn’t jumped up so quickly and played on. That let the ref off the hook. I think that might be down to SAF’s latest directive, that he hates the cheats spoiling the game, and has probably told his players if they are not truly injured to get up and play on!
August 18th, 2009 at 11:23
@Beachryan: NO
.
.
10 games and if doesn’t work out – we have LOST the PL! MAYBE
August 18th, 2009 at 11:23
@Scorp:
I dont have a problem with him being lazy…in fact I couldnt care less if he stayed in the opposition box all day like Ruud..but you could put your money on Ruud to finish the one chance he got, I dont feel the same confidence in Berba.
Owen had 2 great runs off the shoulder of the defender in 20 mins..that’s 2 more than berba had in 70. Berba averages 1 shot per game. That’s simply not good enough, even allowing for the ball retention he brings to the team.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:28
@Vivek: Little Mickey had 2 great runs where he scored one (offside was very debatable), and the second the goalie was lucky as he stuck his leg out! Apart from that 2 runs though, Owen was making space, and could have had more, IF the passes to him had been a little more accurate. So yeah Vivek, I agree with your sentiments on Owen!
August 18th, 2009 at 12:31
@Dan: and the goal threats that Berbatov creates are…..?
August 18th, 2009 at 12:35
Hi guys. I’ve been a regular reader of this blog for over a year,though I’ve rarely ever posted except to ask for links for the live footy
Just wanted to say that I’m a huge fan of all you guys who write in everyday (Grognard, Craig, Eddy, Nico, Dan everyone..)
Cheers guys, and i hope to write in more often and be a part of the Red Rants family
August 18th, 2009 at 12:58
Nice article. Some valid points on the Berb, but I have to say, our tactics contribute as much as his languidity, in respect to his subdued performances. Out team plays far too deep. We do not press forward apart from the first few minutes and if we get a goal, we just sit back and let the opposition attack us (eg v Chelski, Comm Shield). Some times, we do not press until we are desperate for a goal (eg Tottenham at home last season).
The thing that is most noticeable is Berba’s increased effectiveness when we are pressing and attacking with gusto. He might not be the fastest or most aggressive but when we have numbers in the opposition half trying to attack, he pops up in good positions, takes shots and supplies for others.
I do not understand why Fergie insists with this laid-back, slow-prodding game-plan!! Has he not noticed the increased performance levels when we attack with pace and directness?? Or maybe it’s just the old geezer in him. We all know the more aged folk yearn for control and predictability, maybe that’s what’s influencing his tactics. The same reasons we see him opt for his trusted ‘veterans’ as opposed to the young ‘uns. It’s what he trusts and knows. The old man really needs to let the team loose so we can see the best out of our players, if his golden oldies can’t keep up, leave them out.
The reason why Berba thrived at Tottenham is because they were always pressing for the ball and attacking at every chance, hence there was no need for him to come too midfield and pick up the ball. He never ventured too far into his own half, always upfront receiving passes from his midfield and ready for a counter. Here, we have a midfield who function as part-time defenders. Berba or Rooney have to come back to pick up the ball and Berba, unlike Rooney just does not have it in his nature to run forward into the box afterwards.
If we are to get the best out of Berba, the team has to press forward more. We sit too far back. Starting with the defenders, they should push up, stop being afraid of the speedy strikers who might run behind the defence. If they do this, the midfield can now operate more or less in the opposition half, hence attacking, which will then leave the likes of Berba to hover in and around the penalty box, where they are supposed to be. Jeez Fergie, sort it out!!
August 18th, 2009 at 13:19
@Craig Mc: Agreed, Owen is better leading the line. He plays of the shoulder of the last defender, thats his bread and butter. I’m not convinced yet though if he can do it against big teams.He looks sharp but is not that quick anymore. A young Owen struck fear in the hearts of the defenders because they knew that once he sped past them, they couldnt get to him. I’m yet to be convinced if he can do it against the big teams. I fear he might be marked out.
August 18th, 2009 at 13:21
@indianred: THANKYOU
.
August 18th, 2009 at 13:58
Erm… you do realize he went to ground for a tackle on Sunday, right?
August 18th, 2009 at 14:00
Good points by all – I think in terms of the striker situation, Berbatov is a great passer and has an exquisite first touch, but lacks the pace and foot tricks to really go at a defender one on one.
Conversely, Owen hangs off the last defender’s shoulder, but I think he actually tracks back less than Berbatov. Still, if Rooney has a monster season and both Owen and Berbatov get 10 goals, the EPL title is a possibility.
August 18th, 2009 at 14:21
@indianred: What? WHAT? How dare you put me last on that list! i should be first!
August 18th, 2009 at 14:23
@frankie: I was speaking in comparison to tevez. Hes much more of a goal threat then judas II.
August 18th, 2009 at 14:35
Berbatov is team player, a thinker…as such he’s compensating for a lack of athleticism and thrust from midfield and looking brilliant and useless at the same time. I agree that it would be nice to see him be more direct when he manages to get further up the field though.
It seems he’s stuck in traffic conductor mode.
August 18th, 2009 at 14:46
Don´t know which game some of you were watchin on sunday but it certainly was´nt the one in which Berbatov was playing. RedRanter pull your socks up and start writing your own articles instead of allowing a numpty to write comment bait…
August 18th, 2009 at 14:57
SMH,I’m not going to go judging berbatov yet,he said we will see changes and once a proven player says we’ll see changes, we often do. I will be sure to bash him enough if he fucks up but i will not call for his benching, no way no how. we need some class in front of goal not just buffoons running like crazy monkeys in front of goal, hoping that the ball will fall in front of them. I want a guy who can look and see whats the best option not just playing a quick pass that will get blocked or won’t go anywhere. So the writer of this article got it Horribly, horribly wrong.
August 18th, 2009 at 15:04
@spizzy: Errrr Buffoons running like crazy monkeys in front of goal???? Who might they be mate?
August 18th, 2009 at 15:10
@Vincent: If you mean the tackle that should have led to a penalty being given, the Brummie player stamped on Berba’s foot, and was nowhere near the ball. Berba did well to get up at all, I thought his metatarsels had gone for sure with that kind of viscious tackle.
August 18th, 2009 at 15:22
A very simplistic analysis of Berba’s role, strengths as a player and what he contributes to the team.
He was brought in to bring others into the play specifically midfielders. The problem right now is that when Berba has the ball held up, he does not have anyone running ahead to receive it from him like Scholes of yore. Sometimes when Rooney does it we see some really good stuff happening from both. Hopefully Anderson/Carrick/Fletcher will do it more regularly this season
This is not saying that he cannot improve. One thing that strikes me particularly weird is his inclination to move the ball straight and not wide. With Valencia and Nani waiting on the wings it would be a good outlet but he rarely picks that option.
On a sidenote, what do you guys think about Wesley Sneijder? Two footed, has the eye for a good pass, reasonably good engine, and decent dead ball skills. With Scholes aging and Anderson still developing (hopefully?) he would be a good fit for the next 3-4 years. And if what I read is right, for 15 million he is reasonably cheap.
August 18th, 2009 at 15:25
HAHA! Ive found out what team eddy will be playing for
http://www.slbenfica
August 18th, 2009 at 15:26
Woops. Lets try that again:
Here
August 18th, 2009 at 15:35
@Dan: Er, this was brought up here a week ago. Everyone knows about this hoax. Thanks for the late breaking news, Dan
August 18th, 2009 at 16:03
Berba cannot be totally blamed for the so called ‘lack’ of fitting into the team. Berba was 27 when we bought him. Everyone knew his physique, his style of play, his strengths and weaknesses. Fergie knew them when he bought him. It was Uniteds choice to buy Berba. You cannot expect a player to change his complete footballing personality just because after buying him you realize that he might not fit into the United way of playing. It takes time. Either you stick to that player and give him time to gel into the role he is expected to play and take the gamble OR you bench him out and accept maybe he is a very talented player but not good for us. If there was not a position identified for Berba and his style BEFORE he was bought, then teh fault completely lies with the person who made the decision to buy Berba.
August 18th, 2009 at 16:06
@Dash: Berba’s inclination not to pass out to the wings:-
1. He suffers from TUNNEL vision.
2. He has a problem giving the ball to Nani, Valencia, or anybody FASTER paced than himself
.
August 18th, 2009 at 16:11
@godzilla: Yeah but Godzilla, he was bought as the NEW Eric Cantona
.
And yeah you are right in saying that it was SAF who bought him to be the new Eric, and that SAF must shoulder a lot of the blame for another 30 million clanger (if such becomes the case). We all know that VERON was a great player, but couldn’t quite be what he was for United – why? You tell me mate
.
August 18th, 2009 at 16:12
And we cant cuss after reading this crap red ranter?
August 18th, 2009 at 16:20
@theCount: Right, by your sig name, we can see that you are a Berba fan! I don’t think RedRanter should write all his own articles and not have GUEST writers to stimulate a bit of debate and good/bad banter. I may not agree with everything about the article, but these kind of debates bring out a lot of thought of United fans, that might not otherwise be aired and therefore missed. If the writer to some has got it all wrong about Berba, well its just an opinion, and it is ok with me. Well unless he is vomiting all over NANI then I will start an uprising!
, I’m laughing, but people no I’m not joking 
. Guest writers BEWARE! 
, nah just jesting mate. I have been pleased to see ALL the berba support here 
.
August 18th, 2009 at 16:21
@Red Ranter: I knew you would say that. I know how it was done now, thats all.
The website isnt hacked at all, its like the man utd player list trick if you know what im better.
August 18th, 2009 at 16:28
Anybody know why SAF hasn’t had his pre game press conference, which he normally has the day before the game? There is no listing for it on MUTV???
August 18th, 2009 at 16:53
@Dan: Guess I’m too predictable then
August 18th, 2009 at 16:58
Thinking back, just less than a year ago this article and consequent comments was regarded as blasphemy. I can remember how I got lambasted for mentioning the exact same thing about 10 months ago.
I was hoping that Fergie will start playing to Berba’s strenthgs now that slave is gone, but strangely, it appears that the team might be going into another direction. I hope I’m wrong in this assessment because that will certainly spell another Veron. Imagine if that happens and Carlito regains full confidence and ’somehow’ impresses at City. That would really make Fergie look bad.
IMO, the problem is not really Berbatov (it is not Rooney either). It is the Berbatov/Rooney partnership. I think we will see a different Berba when regularly teamed up with Owen. Problem is however, we all know that’s never going to happen. (What to do with Rooney then?)
August 18th, 2009 at 17:02
@Donibrasco: Cuss all you want. Knock yourself. I told Elliott yesterday that he may face some backlash, and I’m not surprised in the least. It’s amazing how people react when their holy cows are criticised.
August 18th, 2009 at 17:04
@Craig Mc:
SAF’s in Spain sorting out a new attacking midfielder.
August 18th, 2009 at 17:15
@Cyclops-Red: Are you jesting, or are you being serious – DO TELL eh mate
.
August 18th, 2009 at 17:17
@Red Ranter: Holy Cows
. Errrr I hope you are not calling Lil Man a Holy Cow RedRanter – COS he is more like a MIGHTY BULL 
.
August 18th, 2009 at 17:17
@Dan: Totally agree with you Dan. I don’t know who this new contributor is but Elliot, football is not designed for just the blue collar types of the world. We all appreciate a little hard work and the necessity for getting our hands dirty from time to time but what you are forgetting here is that Berbatov is not Carlos Tevez. Berbatov is an artist as opposed to Tevez being a plumber. Now you may have no respect for artists and may think the world of plumbers, especially if your toilet is overflowing, but what makes this great game the great game that it is will always be the artist.
I am so tired of the blue collar utilitarian influence on the game. Players who work their asses off and give a 110% all the time are fine but at the end of the day they accomplished sweet fuck all. I much prefer the smart, discerning, calculating and energy conserving artisan who turns it on when he needs to but when he does, what he produces is not just magical and sublime, but will stay in our memories for ever. Berbatov may be lazy in your mind but he’s smart in mine. He is thrifty when it comes to using up his energy reserve but tell me how many other players at the striker position do you know of that have the vision to distribute and the first touch that this man possesses? I’ll tell you how many……….NONE. In my 50 years of life I have watched many a great football player and many great strikers and I have yet to see a striker that has the delicate ability to first touch a ball like Berbatov. I have only seen a handful that can pass like him or who have the imagination to make the kind subtle moves and passes that he does. And he’s not a bad finisher to boot.
You see, I have watched Berbatov way back to his Bayer Leverkusen days. I see what he does well and I see what he doesn’t do well. Working super hard to track back or lunge in and make a sliding tackle and play like Rooney is not his game, but then again I don’t think it should be part of any striker’s game. Ferguson has always demanded far too much of this shite from his forwards and I for one am here to say that Ferguson is categorically dead wrong on this. A striker’s job is to score goals and cause pressure on the opposition back four and keeper. Like our defenders job is to keep the ball out of our net and support our keepers, we are not expecting them to score goals and become offensive threats. It goes both ways. Sure they may score an occasional goal off a set piece but that for me is the only time a forward should be back in our third of the pitch, protecting against a set piece.
Dimitar Berbatov is a highly skilled exceptional player but he may not fit the present style of play that we use today for Manchester United. Again for the umpteenth time I will use the square peg in a small round hole example. Berbatov would be exceptional and every bit the killer Ibrahmiovich was in Italy. And to be honest, he is every bit as good a player if not better than Ibrahimovich. The difference is Berba conserves his energy and uses it where and when he sees as necessary. Zlatan on the other hand is just lazy and does not care to get involved in hard work or in games where he may get roughed around. He avoids penalty areas against top teams because he gets the odd elbow or push and he can’t handle that. Frankly, he is gutless and has no heart. Berba’s guilty of being told to play too high up and to be an Emile Heskey on our team. Well he is great at holding up the ball and bringing everyone into play but he does not have the pace or the physicality to then show up in the box and score after having played so high. That’s not his fault.
Quite frankly, Berbatov needs to play on an Italian team that incorporates the continental style of play at a slower pace. We play continental football but we also incorporate the British style with it’s width and over reliance on wide players. This is nothing more than a mass of confusion for him and it requires too much from him to process and to keep up with. The King, the great Eric Cantona was also not known for being a hard worker and for tracking back. He played high up which shows because in the end his goal tally for United was good but not van Nistelrooyish. What Cantona did back in those simpler 4-4-2 days was hold the ball up, distribute and then show up at the end to possibly slot one home off a rebound, at the end of a play at the back post or hit one from just outside of the box. He had great imagination, vision and ability to distribute incredible passes to forwards and others who would score and that is what he is remembered for. Berbatov is not the King, but he is pretty close to his style of play. Unfortunately for him, he is not allowed to play the King’s role the way Cantona played it because we are not playing the old traditional 4-4-2 system that Eric was so comfortable playing within.
Do all of you remember how much more dynamic and successful Berbatov was with Spurs? That was because they mostly used an old school 4-4-2 and he was able to play off of a defender and as a second striker. Basically, he was able to play the Wayne Rooney role and in a very simple system that allowed him the time and space to create. Unfortunately he has come to a team that is playing a hybrid system designed to confuse and perplex. From one game to another you never know what you are going to get from Fergie. 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-2-2. 4-2-3-1, 4-5-1 and all designed at different speeds and asking players like Rooney, Berbatov and others to play out of position and to perform duties that are unnatural to them. Sorry but Berbatov’s energy and style of play is not the culprit here. Sir Alex Ferguson is the culprit. Ronaldo’s style and selfishness is gone. This should help Berba a lot, but then again, Fergie is the biggest obstacle in the way of Berba’s success. So lets stop the Berba bashing and put the lunch boxes away. Enough of this boring and dull blue collar BS that many fans have become obsessed with. Berba is an artist and all artists need the right canvas to paint on. He accomplishes more in his languid half asleep manner than Tevez ever did in his blue collar nothing at the end of things ways. I prefer, class, substance and style over hard work with no skill. I guess that is why Wayne Rooney is a gift form the Gods. He has it all as well as the blue collar mentality. Truly a rarity in any sport.
August 18th, 2009 at 17:21
What’s amazed me RR, is not Elliot article backlash, but that the bloggers THUS FAR have stayed on topic. MOSTLY anyway. Nowthat is amazing!
August 18th, 2009 at 17:44
@Grognard: I think he appreciates “artistic” players, over blue collar ethic. The crux of what he’s said has more to do with the fact that he feels Berbatov does not suit our style which expects our strikers to be more aggressive because our game relies on pace on the counter.
Actually here’s a pretty good piece by Elliott on Argentine football and if you, Grognard, love art and history I think you might appreciate this piece.
Anyway, that was my take on Elliott’s piece, although I’ll let him speak for himself and respond.
August 18th, 2009 at 17:45
@Craig Mc:
August 18th, 2009 at 17:47
@indianred: Thanks for the kind words.
Welcome to “The Family”. You know that to be a full member you have to go through some serious tests that will stretch your patience to the limit. It includes murder, robbery and trying to get past me on a football pitch. 
Good luck mate!
August 18th, 2009 at 17:48
@Dan: WHATTE FUCK!?!?!!?
Im not going to Portugal, Im going to Italy.
August 18th, 2009 at 17:48
@Dan: oops…
August 18th, 2009 at 17:57
@Red Ranter: I wish you wouldn’t keep talking about PIECES RR. I only ever heard that word used in the USA, and it always referred to HANDGUNS
.
August 18th, 2009 at 18:01
@Craig Mc: Really? Ok I will refer them to articles or essays, if I can help it. But I can’t promise you anything, like a certain greasy winger would say, only God knows.
On re-reading my comment I realise I’ve used far too many ‘pieces’ than necessary.
August 18th, 2009 at 18:14
@Grognard: I agree with every word!
I feel like a right know though, you went through a lot of effort to post that comment, and i come back with a 1 liner
August 18th, 2009 at 18:20
@Dan:
Naiz 
August 18th, 2009 at 18:23
@Footy4Eddy: Inter milan?
August 18th, 2009 at 18:24
@Dan: >_<
August 18th, 2009 at 18:37
@Red Ranter: Actually Elliot and I are in agreement over the fact that Berbatov does not fit our style. That was made clear in my rant. What I argued over was the fact that he made Berbatov sound like a lazy player who does not give that extra effort or dive tackle etc. That’s where I got on him a bit for the blue collar BS. Berbatov is a fantastic player being forced to play in a system that suits very few skilled players. It’s a workaholic system designed around a continental framework. Two systems that are complete contrasts and mirror opposites of each other yet that is what we are playing. A wide 4-4-2 with continental pace (or lack of) blending ball retention and supposed short passing with players who are to far apart from each other to make it work properly.
Honestly, I don’t get it? That’s what killed us in Rome too. We played with too much width in a 4-3-3 and were not able to keep ball retention because very few of our passes were of the short variety. Fergie is stuck between totally adopting the Italian game while still wanting to keep remnants of the English game also. That just doesn’t work and players like Berbatov suffer for it. Also, lets not forget Fergie’s usage of players. He often uses them out of position and in ways that does not utilize their strengths. All for the team cause yet I ask myself how can it be better for a team to keep Rooney way out left and away from the goal and Berbatov playing the role of an attacking midfielder but with his back to the goal? Berbatov is an innocent victim I’m afraid but it’s also clear that he just may not ever fit our system. Time will be the best judge of that I guess.
August 18th, 2009 at 18:40
@Dan: Just agreeing with me Dan is reward enough.
August 18th, 2009 at 18:45
@Footy4Eddy: Bang, i got it. Mourinho wants you!
August 18th, 2009 at 18:45
@Grognard:
August 18th, 2009 at 18:46
Elliott Tucker, Sir, you are a knob!
Kudos for (most of) my fellow redranters to not let themselves fooled by such a caricatural and provocative piece of writing.
August 18th, 2009 at 18:53
@NicoQB:
I think its safe to say he wont be writing for us again…
August 18th, 2009 at 19:06
@Dan: Even though that senatnce may be true, it just sounds weird!
August 18th, 2009 at 19:11
@Craig Mc: Now Craig mate, that’s as untrue a statement as it can get.
Tunneled vision the berba? The guy who has eyes in the back of his head for flicked through balls et al.?
@Beachryan: Agree.
@Alan: Agree.
@Gabriel: Spot on about the midfield. I’ve said it time and again – the reason why berbatov’s performances suffered is mainly due to the gutlessness of our Central Midfield.
@Red Ranter: Its not the fact that he criticsed a holy cow. Its more to do with the fact that he went for style instead of substance – the commentors here have done a much better job of analysing the flaws of his game (yes, he does has a few) and putting it in pperspective of our general game plan.
August 18th, 2009 at 19:19
@Dan:
I’d like to see him try! 
August 18th, 2009 at 19:27
@Footy4Eddy: Says Rio:
You just got merked!!!
But seriously, Italy? Good luck! Coulda been much worse but let’s hope those italians finally realize that you have to give youth thier chance or else they’re going to fuck off to Man utd! Not that you wouldn’t mind!
August 18th, 2009 at 19:31
@NicoQB: I sort of expected this reaction from you anyway. Very kind words indeed.
August 18th, 2009 at 19:33
@Grognard: Berbatov in my opinion is a midfield playmaker trapped in a striker’s body. His languid style suits a midfielder in the Riquelme mould. And he needs a dynamic central midfielder who can make forward runs enough to do one-twos with him. We don’t have anyone (perhaps Gibson if he improves his game) at the moment.
August 18th, 2009 at 19:44
@Grognard: I’m still willing to believe that Berbatov will fit in our system, but otherwise, I agree with most of what you said.
One thing too about Cantona is that he had world class midfield enforcers doing their job – Ince, Keane… Berbatov does not have that luxury and tracks back to try to get involved in the game.
August 18th, 2009 at 19:49
@NicoQB: Who said I was gonna sign for an Italian team?
I just said I would not travel to Portugal, but to Italy… I have family in Italy, and go there every year. Never said anythign about Inter or Italy for that matter, I will still keep you guessing. 
August 18th, 2009 at 20:05
Oh dear Chelski are losing.
August 18th, 2009 at 20:05
Berba’s laziness is frustrating to watch
August 18th, 2009 at 20:27
@Cyclops-Red: I’ll believe it when I see the full time score. It’s still 1-0 approaching HT.
August 18th, 2009 at 20:45
@Red Ranter: Yeah, but hopefully Agent Bruce can fire up his troops for another 45 mins.
August 18th, 2009 at 20:47
Would be nice to see Brucey take 3 of those precious points off of Chelski tho…45mins here we go.
August 18th, 2009 at 20:57
Oh dear 1-1, was inevitable thou like RR said, full time is all that counts.
Ballacks.
August 18th, 2009 at 21:07
@Red Ranter: I agree. I was saying this last season that what he needs is a midfielder who will combine better with him. For a while Carrick was doing a good job at forging a real understanding with him on the pitch but then again, Carrick is so inconsistent that it never lasts. He may be an attacking midfielder trapped inside a strikers body but the fact still remains, he is a striker and he needs to be utilized in a manner that brings out his best. And that has not happened.
August 18th, 2009 at 21:09
@NicoQB: Excellent point about Cantona. Yes he did have real hard working no nonsense box to box enforcers in Kean, Ince, and Butt. Berbatov has a bunch of timid pretenders.
August 18th, 2009 at 21:20
I think that Berba is a better player than tevez, but I still feel that Tevez is far better than berba when it comes to fitting in at United. Tevez may have been a poor mans rooney, but he still had a knack for popping up with big time goals. Also tevez and Rooney had a decent understanding of one another. Whenever I see Berba out there, he just looks out of place. I think the comparison to veron is a fair and accurate one. They are both class players, but they are circle pegs trying to fit into square holes.
August 18th, 2009 at 21:20
What a nonsense article. Completely ignoring his holding, link up play, flick pass to Nani for the goal, headed clearance from a Birmingham corner and the numerous flicks tricks and constant perfect good touch he did nothing all day.
If only we had a midget who looks like a wet dog with the first touch of a brick wall eh?
August 18th, 2009 at 21:21
@NicoQB: Wake up Nico Bro, I said tunnel vision where the wings are concerned – doh!
August 18th, 2009 at 21:24
@NicoQB: Just because you don’t agree with Elliot, does not make him a knob
. He just has a different view on Berba to you that’s all. 
And I CAN SAFELY SAY he will be writing for this blog again. What do you lot think just because you are so scary, that he will hightail it out of here, never to be heard of again – I don’t think so – why should he. 
.
August 18th, 2009 at 21:27
Besides, Elliot is the only one so far who has kept a thread on topic – well until the games started tonight I see.
I’ll tell you what – I have NEVER seen such woeful football as Sunderland are dishing up
. For a Steve Bruce side they are painfully bloody horrible. Chelsea should be about 6-1 up 
.
August 18th, 2009 at 21:30
@Grognard: Quote – “just agreeing with me Dan is reward enough.” – OH PLEASE give us a break
.
August 18th, 2009 at 21:35
@Red Ranter:
, Bits and pieces, I’m in pieces, Bits and pieces 
, you know that song right?
August 18th, 2009 at 22:01
Shit another chelsea comeback! bloody hate those bast***s but anyway about berba. I agree with RR, he is a “attacking mid (riquelme player) stuck in a strikers body” But i think since we bought him as a striker and we need him to score a lot of goals this season we need him to stay put in that position because even though he is not the most prolific of strikers he will be even less prolific if he is employed as a “riquelme” position. I just wish the partnership between him and rooney would be amazing but i hope it gets a lot better in due course of the season. What also would be great is for nani and skinned sausage to have an even better partnership than ronaldo and the frenchie!
August 18th, 2009 at 22:41
@johnsom33: And just recently you were getting on my back for bringing back the comparison of Tevez with Rooney!
Now what I think:
- Its a myth that Tevez and Rooney developed a good understanding partnership. Arguably in the Tevez’s first season here but I wouldn’t say that it was the case last season and even then Tevez, if you need reminding, was very poor in his decision making, barely ever passing the ball when other players were in good positions. When Rooney strikes the right balance between his great passing game and his selfish streak – and he doesn’t find it that often – any half decent striker would develop a good parntership with him.
@johnsom33: Now please don’t start believing that Veron comparison nonsense. This was just something invented by the rags in britain looking for some selling story. They just want Berbatv to fail so they can use this story to fill their columns.
And to Elliott Tucker, Veron:
- Was dogged by injuries
- Not played in his proper position
- Was not made to feel part of the United family by the resenting Keane (who basically admitted his mistake) and Scholes.
August 18th, 2009 at 22:43
Michael Owen > Dimitar Berbatov
August 18th, 2009 at 22:47
@Footy4Eddy: Classic case of an urchin being caught with the hand in the cookie jar and trying to come up with a story of sorts.
August 18th, 2009 at 22:57
@Craig Mc: Off the top of my head I remember berbatov releasing Ronaldo for a counterattack in the Tottenham game last season. He also had that good one-two with Pak against Brum. Plus I think he assisted for Nani during the preseason.
Berbatov can be called many things, but having tunneled vision is not one of them, even for the wings.
@Craig Mc: Well RR did give the green light to use the flowery language, so after reading his PIECE I didn’t hold back!
@Footy4Eddy: actually, I may agree with you, in a way, as its obvious to me that his teammates want him to succeed more than Berbatov. Berbatov is often in good positions but not receiving the ball, whereas players will actually look for Mickey Owen…
August 18th, 2009 at 23:04
@NicoQB: I didn’t give any green light for any flowery language — I guess, sarcasm doesn’t come across well over the internet.
Just because I forewarned someone about the chances of opening up themselves for criticism doesn’t mean you can just say anything that comes in your head.
August 18th, 2009 at 23:37
Yeah Nico Bro – like RR says, he didn’t give you licence to call our guest writer a knob – you knobhead Nico
. Sorry Bro I could resist jesting! But is that sarcastic enough for you RR 
. Good job Nico knows me and my kidology isn’t it? 
.
August 18th, 2009 at 23:58
What is apparent is that Berbatov has a free pass with his supporters. It is never his fault. It is our midfield. It is our system. It is Fergie playing him wrong.
No-one has any doubts that he is a great player. But the jury is out on whether he is a great Manchester United player!
I’m sorry but a world class player should be able to succeed in any team. Berbatov is not a failure by any means but I really do not see him scoring the 25 goals we require from him if we are going to do well this season.
For me his biggest faults:
1. For a striker he is not aggressive enough in the box. He takes one shot a game. He just seems to expect the ball to fall into his lap. I’m sorry but in football you have to shout for the ball and let your teammates know where you want it.
2. He has spent a season playing with us and he does not seem to have adapted the least bit to the way we play. He is an intelligent player and has good vision so he needs to release the ball earlier so he doesn’t slow up our fast football.
3. He drifts in and out of games. The whole silent assasin thing is nice but he needs to be more influential. He doesn’t cause defences enough problems for 90% of the game.
4. He has never produced for us in the really big games for us. Cantona wasn’t prolific by any means but when it mattered he provided the goals and the genius.
August 19th, 2009 at 0:07
@Craig Mc: Peace be with you, bro.
August 19th, 2009 at 0:17
@colver: I’m not sure that Berba has that much support amongst Utd fans. My impression last season was that it descended into a Tevez>Berbatov argument amongst the faithfull with the JUDAS always coming on top. Berba, in my view is class, but definitely needs to improve this season even though I defended him to the hilt last season. At the moment I’m with Grognard in the square peg in the round hole analogy but I hope I’m proved completely wrong and somehow Rooney and Berba can gel and stop this nonesense talk about the world’s two greatest players AKA Ladyboy and Stevie “Rocky Bilboa” Gerrard.
August 19th, 2009 at 0:17
@Cyclops-Red:
.
Well I gotta go to bed folks. Before I do I will spark a few fireworks
. We are in for a torrid time at Burnley tomorrow, in the last 2 seasons they BEAT Arsenal, Liverpool AND Chelsea on their turf, and should have beaten Spurs, because they outplayed them, until the ref found overtime that should never have been! I am worried, because Berba, Valencia, Carrick, are PUSSY CATS, and do not like it when things are hot and they get ruffed up. From what I have seen of Valencia, Berba etc, they do not like to get into it where it hurts, pushing, pulling, aggressive tackling and making presence felt. I am sorry, but they ARE WIMPS, and need to go on an army assault course to toughen up. Scaredy Cats! So let the fire works begin – night all!
August 19th, 2009 at 0:32
Elliott:
I agree with every utterance – and I’m sure it was my fist that you had in mind during your opening paragraph!!
The man is infuriating in his reluctance to add pace to our attack, and has become a load to burden as we struggle to find a CM pairing that can release a striker through the middle.
Whether he can adapt to our style remains to be seen. He has now almost a full season and a full pre-season under his belt but the signs are not good are they?
Pretty soon we can eliminate the “Ronaldo didn’t pass him the ball” gripe and soon after that we can eliminate the “SAF uses him out of position” mantra. So before long he will be laid bare for all to see, wearing nothing but his beautiful hold-up plays and those fucking “deft” touches and that annoying hands-on-hip expression of exasperation as one more opportunity goes wanting.
Thank you, Elliot, for adding a few teeth to this blog, and for suggesting that a few be removed from mouth of the Bulgarian!!
August 19th, 2009 at 0:44
I reckon that’s abit harsh on berbatov. I thought he had a very decent game without reaching any great heights.
It is interesting to see how my two favourtie blogs (this and the republik one) have very different views on how berba performed on the weekend….
August 19th, 2009 at 0:49
@Red Ranter: @Craig Mc: Haha! Well, the absence of “roll-eyes” smileys made me thought that you were serious with it!
Woops!
Sorry. Too late now!!!
Am I convincing?
August 19th, 2009 at 1:07
@colver: Now here’s an example of a well developed argument.
Even if I’m pro-berbatov (if anyone hasn’t noticed yet) I can’t really dispute your observations – except for the fact that you’re grossly exagrerrating his flaws; so fair enough.
@Redrich: The signs are not good? Been watching our games recently?
Berbatov’s been one of our best players in pre-season, and played well against birmingham.
Its quite annoying to have to make people see facts (jes!) as opposed to newspapers rhetoric (berbatov = veron.. blah, blah, blah…).
August 19th, 2009 at 1:29
@NicoQB: I think you are as blind as bat when it comes to Berbatov. He’s obviously on your bedroom wall and you obviously fantasize over his potential.
The man has done nothing for our team, but to confuse and muddle a difficult selection of starting formations – with SAF trying every possible variation on a theme to get this guy to perform.
I’m giving him one month to start to look like the player he was with Spurs, after that he’s dead to me!
I am so sick and tired of excuse after excuse for players that consistently under perform. I could give a flying fuck about these individuals – United is a team and its the team I will support!!
August 19th, 2009 at 1:51
@Redrich: If SAF cared so much about Berbatov, he would have started him in the final of the Champions’ League!
Look, I’m not a “fan” of Berbatov as much as you think I am. What gets me riled is the easiness with which fans get on his back, especially when he does perform. The problem for me is that many will not see him perform until he scores regularly, and that for me is not the definition of performance.
If a midfielder had berbatov’s statistics last season, they woiuld have been deemed to have had a great season. Conversely, if a midfielder scores 20+ goals a season, he is by default considered to hav ehad a great season, even if he does squat apart from that – Lampard. So if a striker does not score so much but contributes to our play in other ways, why should he be deemed as a failure.
Sure, berbatov didn’t have the best of seasons, but in my book it was ok, considering the circumstances.
And you’re right – the team is most important. And last season, the team played better when he was playing. Nuff said.
August 19th, 2009 at 1:56
I feel honored to have kept a focused thread! I know I had some “flowery” and “emotional” language when describing Berbatov – he just seems to lack the individual aggression in the box which I love to see in a striker, whether it is Ruud out muscling, Romario outfoxing, or Ronaldo (fat Brazilian) out-dribbling.
That being said, I can acknowledge his strength, first touch, and hold up play are very well suited to a sole striker/continental affair. I thought he was outstanding in the first leg against Inter last season. But in terms of winning the EPL trophy, I think an aggressive, lightning quick 4-4-2 is the best route. And Berbatov simply looks out of place.
August 19th, 2009 at 2:05
@NicoQB: Completely agree, his stats confirm he was our most productive player in the PL. He definitely needs to improve especially now Him and the Mercenary have left.
August 19th, 2009 at 2:27
@Elliott: Amazingly diplomatic here mate. I actually prefer the fist-to-mouth approach!
I thank you, again, for offering an edgy take on a controversial issue here.
More, please!!
August 19th, 2009 at 2:29
@Cyclops-Red: Shocking how stats, in footy, can be absolutely misleading!!
August 19th, 2009 at 2:40
@NicoQB: I’m gonna agree to disagree, mate!
August 19th, 2009 at 3:32
@Traverse: Classic. Midget that looks like a wet dog. Classic!
And an ugly wet dog too.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:34
@Craig Mc: It’s very rare when Dan agrees with me therefore, it was a reward for me.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:36
@Anthony Los: Lets not compare Berbatov to Riquelme. Yes he has a nice touch and is inventive and creative but Riquelme is a football god where as Berbatov is just football player.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:52
sheeeeeeesh wtf is going on in here?
So…light banter anyone? i think ando should get a start today? maby carrick as well. maby de lat youth should be on desplay v burnly 4-1 united sounds good
August 19th, 2009 at 6:44
Damn! Vidic looking to move to Barca next summer! With Rio becoming crocky we need to look at our defence for next season – Evans and? Cathcart? Maybe its time to buy back Shawcross and invoke the first refusal clause before Liverpool grab him. And end up paying maybe 6-7 times more than what we sold him for
August 19th, 2009 at 8:46
Can anyone tell me the injury conditions of our defenders, rio, vidic and evans?
August 19th, 2009 at 11:20
@Grognard: Grog, i would never compare him to Riquelme i said that he has the same position as him, my words must have confused you
August 19th, 2009 at 12:42
Grognard berbatov would not last two seconds in serie a. he would turn it up as soon as he got wacked from behind. he’s alazy player who thinks that he’s above everybody else. he must read comments like yours and continue to believe his player above the rest. when ever i watch him he strolls across the pitch doing little. he misses goals like every body else. i dont understand why he’s always compared to tevez. tevez like rooney ha sthe work rate and the technical ability to make things happen for the team. tevez technial ability is as good as the next player. his so called mistakes are mede by any player who plays the game at a high tempo. i would like to see berbatov’s technical ability if he played the game at the same tempo as tevez. i guess this will never happen. berbatov only knows one tempo-slow. berbatov could dismantle united capaign this season because saf will always play regardless of his valueless to the club. i for one wish mancity moved for berbatov and we kept tevez. yes we i’m a united fan. and i know we shouldn’t knock our own players. but how many can you vent you fustratrion when berbatov is playing withy sreams of do something you fuckin useles bum.
August 19th, 2009 at 14:00
@tom:
Whoa there tom, do you watch football or listen to some radio station. You actually believe that tevez is better than berba, you must be out of cornflacking mind. Or maybe there is another tevez out there other than the tosser who would try to dribble and loose the ball, try to hold off defenders and loose the ball, try to pass and loose the ball, try to score and loose the ball, all he seemed to do was loose the ball, unless he was 2 feet away from goal then he’d poke it in after somebody like rooney or CR7 or berba had done all the work.
Tevez used to work hard to regain possession which he himself lost and should never have lost in the first place. The thought of tevez being better than berba is laughable, i would have dismissed you comment with the contempt it deserves but Im so freaking bored i’l return anyones comment right now.
August 19th, 2009 at 14:08
@spizzy:
August 19th, 2009 at 15:09
@Anthony Los: Actually my comment was made to be a little humorous as I consider Riquelme a god and to have him compared or linked to any other player is demeaning to him. I realize what you were trying to say but perhaps I should have been clearer myself.
August 19th, 2009 at 15:10
@tom: Your welcome to your opinion mate, even if I think you are full of it.