rss twitter facebook mobile

STATS: Berbatov at Spurs vs Berbatov at United

Manchester United forked out £30m for Dimitar Berbatov after Daniel Levy stuck to the asking price we didn’t want to pay. The downside for us was we had to pay over the odds for a player Sir Alex Ferguson really wanted, whilst Tottenham had a load of money in the bank but couldn’t do anything with it given the deal was concluded at midnight on the transfer deadline day.

The general feeling from our fans was happiness and excitement though. We had learnt that morning that City had got involved, had met the asking price we had yet to, and were offering the player far more in wages than we would be able to. For us to secure the deal made for what was probably the most exciting transfer deadline day ever for us.

However, with that £30m price tag came a huge amount of responsibility for the Bulgarian striker. Despite not even bothering to meet Mark Hughes, knowing that at the very least it would probably drive up the wages United were prepared to offer, United fans rightly had high expectations of the massively expensive player.

In his first season, he struggled to meet those expectations and struggled to win over the fans. His touch, link up play and vision were there for all to see, but for a £30m striker, you want goals, and the 9 he scored in the league were rightly not seen as a good enough return. However, for the Berbafans, it was hard to ignore that only one player in the Premiership assisted more goals than him, with creativity being a major selling point for the player.

This season, Berbatov has greatly improved on the goalscoring front and has crept in to the top ten scorers in the league. Considering his knee injury in the first half of the season and the manager’s decision to exclude him when playing 451 for certain games, this is an impressive feat.

But now that Berbatov is scoring more freely, our fans still have an axe to grind/bangwagon to jump on, and this reached its climax at Blackburn on Sunday.

So, have United got the player Sir Alex wanted? We knew we weren’t getting a Carlos Tevez type, who would chase down every loose ball, but is the Berbatov we have the player the manager wanted? He knew £30m was too much, that’s why he refused the deal all summer, but in the end paid out the money. But is he a shadow of the player he was at Spurs? Are the fans who cleverly dub him Berbaflop well within their rights?

We’re going to look at the goals and assists, like always, but there’s now the added element of what percentage of their teams’ goals the players were behind. To give you some comparison, last season Rooney scored 12, assisted 7, and that works out at 28% of Manchester United’s total goals scored. You would rightly expect Berbatov’s goal contribution at Spurs to be a lot higher than for us.

We’re also going to look at the stats of two former reds who were the hard working types, who ran non-stop for 90 minutes, who were totally adored by our fans, to see where the priorities of our fans lie in qualities they look for in a striker. How has Berbatov contributed in comparison to them and is goal contribution enough if you’re not going to run around trying to win every ball?

Dimitar Berbatov 2006/2007

Minutes: 2715

Goals: 12 (8th)

Goals per minute: 1 goal per 226 minutes (3 hours 46 minutes)

Assists: 11 (4th)

Goals and assists: 23

Goals scored/created: 1 per 118 minutes (1 hour 58 minutes)

Percentage of team’s goals scored/created: 40%

.

Dimitar Berbatov 2007/2008

Minutes: 2991

Goals: 15 (5th)

Goals per minute: 1 goal per 199 minutes (3 hours 19 minutes)

Assists: 11 (4th)

Goals and assists: 26

Goals scored/created: 1 per 115 minutes (1 hour 55 minutes)

Percentage of team’s goals scored/created: 39%

.

2008/2009

Minutes: 2643

Goals: 9  (25th)

Goals per minute: 1 goal per 294 minutes (4 hours 54 minutes)

Assists: 10 (2nd)

Goals and assists: 19

Goals scored/created: 1 per 139 minutes (2 hours 19 minutes)

Percentage of team’s goals scored/created: 28%

2009/2010

Minutes: 1851 minutes

Goals: 12 (10th)

Goals per minute: 1 goal per 154 minutes (2 hours 34 minutes)

Assists: 6 (22nd)

Goals and assists: 18

Goals scored/created: 1 goal per 103 minutes (1 hour 43 minutes)

Percentage of team’s goals scored/created: 23%

.

Alan Smith 2004/2005

Minutes: 2038

Goals: 6 (44th)

Goals per minute: 1 goal per 340 minutes (5 hours 40 minutes)

Assists: 4 (35th)

Goals and assists: 10

Goals scored/created: 1 goal per 204 minutes (3 hours 24 minutes)

Percentage of team’s goals scored/created: 17%

.

Carlos Tevez 2007/2008

Minutes: 2685 minutes

Goals: 14 (9th)

Goals per minute: 1 goal per 192 minutes (2 hours 72 minutes)

Assists: 7 assists (18th)

Goals and assists: 21

Goals scored/created: 1 per 128 minutes (2 hours 8 minutes)

Percentage of team’s goals scored/created: 26%

.

Carlos Tevez 2008/2009

Minutes: 1856

Goals: 5 (53rd)

Goals per minute: 1 goal per 371 minutes (6 hours 11 minutes)

Assists: 3 (74th highest in the league)

Goals and assists: 8

Goals scored/created: 1 per 232 minutes (3 hours 52 minutes)

Percentage of team’s goals scored/created: 12%

.

Conclusion: The number of goals Berbatov has scored and created this season is of a higher rate than any of his four years in England, higher than both Carlos Tevez’s years at United as well as Alan Smith’s first year at United (and only year he played as an out and out striker).

Berbatov has scored/assisted almost a quarter of a goals this season, despite not playing anywhere near as much, and scored/assisted over a quarter of our goals last season when competing with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Tevez.

Looking at this season, Berbatov has scored or created a goal for United almost once a game, (1 per game + 13 minutes), but that doesn’t get any credit, whilst Tevez needed almost four hours to score or assist a goal last season, and Smithy needed three and a half hours.

Interesting then that Berbatov is considered a flop and is booed by sections of our support, whilst Carlos Tevez and Alan Smith were adored.

What does that tell us about the standards of some United fans? Running around and looking to be working hard is a more admirable quality in a striker than scoring and creating goals. Great.

If Berbatov cost us £10m I honestly don’t think there would be a problem but that price tag is the worst thing that could ever happen to him. I have long been a defender of Berbatov but I am now beginning to side with those who think we should get rid. He is never going to prosper in the increasingly hostile environment our fans are creating, so maybe it is time he got out and joined a club where he could be adored, the way we adored Tevez and Smith. The manager hasn’t adapted our tactics to suit Berbatov, the way he has done for Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, so maybe that tells us all we need to know. The manager wanted him enough to eventually pay out £30m but not enough to take a risk in trying to find tactics which will compliment him, so there’s not a lot Berbatov can do about it. Against top sides, the manager is worried we’ll be overrun in midfield, a possible indication of the lacking of world class quality in this position, and the Bulgarian pays the price. If we had a Roy Keane-Paul Scholes at their peak combination, would the manager feel the need to play five midfielders and just one striker? Regardless, the press fancy his time to be up and if he leaves now he can go down in the history books as a Manchester United flop, a title I’m sure Levy will be happy with, knowing his price tag always ensured it would be given. But it all could have been so different.

I wonder how much Newcastle would want for Smithy eh? Berb out, Smith in? Or better still, let’s sign that Karim Benzema, who turned us down in the summer to kiss the Real Madrid’s badge, and then our fans will be happy.

————–

Related articles

United’s top two strikers

Tevez vs Berbatov at United

Rooney and Berbatov compared to other strikers

Dear My Levy – A Spurs Fan’s Response




 

652 Comments

  1. AlphaRS says:

    If we are using Berbatov’s statistics at Tottenham then let’s compare Berbatov’s stats with Tevez this season. I think their would only be one winner there. I just don’t get how you can defend Berbatov.

  2. rat1p says:

    scott i have to thank you for all the the effort you put into the articles
    respect mate keep it up!
    always a pleasure to read

  3. mattbw7 says:

    I wish Berba had made it, all that talent and the desire to play for UTD, on the one hand I can see the arguments for playing more to his strengths but on the other is it unreasonable to expect a senior player with bags of experience to step up when needed. He hasnt done enough and he probably knows it, time to go

  4. Macedonia_United says:

    all of todays newspapers claim that berbs is on his way out, and we are goin in for Benzema and Silva

  5. s18 says:

    GREAT ONE Scott!! I am 100% behind Dimi! I’ve been defending him thuout the seasons against unfaithful Utd fan! I can’t believe I av to do such thing against someone who supported the same team as mine!! After that Rovers dissepointment they made me evn sicker!! Up to the point…where I ask them…”Which club is Dimitar playing now??!! Can u recall???” Its really a sickening!

  6. BabyFaceAssassin says:

    Its plain to see that we are making players like Berba and Neville scapegoats for our poor season…I agree it is a bit unfair..Neville who I thought had a fantastic game against Blackburn…that shot which be blocked was vital…I can see where your coming from Scott but honestly I don’t think Berba fits into the United system…Its not that he is a bad player…infact I don’t think United have ever had a player with Berba’s touch and class…infact even against Blackburn that turn that he did in the middle of the park to get away from the Blackburn player just oozed class(reminded me of Zidane).

    Even the magnificent Rudd was shipped out just cause he didn’t fit the new system…I think the biggest problem with Berba is that he’s nearing 30…if he was like a 25 year old then everyone would not be so critical of him…Fergie can’t help but think of getting something for him at his age…because in a couple of years it will be difficult to even get maybe 10 mill for him….

    Personally I wouldn’t mind having Berba in the side but we need a proper out and out goal getter…who would fit the United system…Dzeko or maybe even Benzema(although I hate him for rejecting us, I think he has learn’t his lesson)….GGMU

  7. Marq says:

    @AlphaRS

    Scott did not defend Berbatov, he is just showing facts. Facts that people are blind to see, and out to put him up as scapegoat for our problems. Fact is that our problems are not with Berbatov, but with the midfield. We did not lose our games because Berbatov missed chance after chance after chance against Bayern and Chelsea, it was because our midfield was went missing.

    After how Tevez behaved, I am bewildered how some fans here still hold him in high regards. He can score 100 goals and I will still regard him as crap. And I believe there are many here who thinks the same as me. So lets not get started with that

  8. Costas says:

    That last paragraph by Scott is right on the money. For the record though, even if leaves this summer, I won’t consider him a flop. That’s too harsh. I prefer to judge players on something other than their transfer fees.

  9. sprite says:

    If so many people are throwing shit towards berbatov, I will feel better if he goes to another club and throw the shit back in the face of the wankers.. this is a view I am warming more and more to… at the end of the day I would like him to see more of him in a utd shirt though, but anyways this is SAF’s decision, who is a big berba fan by the way..

  10. AlphaRS says:

    @s18
    Just because I have a differing opinion on Berbatov than you do does not make me an unfaithful United fan. I go to the games and I support the team Berbatov included throughout the 90 mins but I am free to express my opinion of him as long as it does not have a detrimental effect on the team performance. I do not condone booing any United players but I can certainly see their point of view.

  11. brett1985 says:

    These Berbatov articles bring a smile to my face.

  12. Si says:

    @ BabyFaceAssassin – that turn that he did on the half way line you mean?? When he was actually in the way of our midfielders? A little turn like that looks good on Showboat on Soccer AM and that’s all, it might have created a bit of space for him but he was about 50 yards from goal! On Sunday he was infuriating, waving his arms and expecting everyone to make runs here, there and everywhere, what’s wrong with giving the simple pass, first time! He slows most attacks down by taking forever to prick about on the ball!

    Blackburn had an 18 year old centre half playing and a half fit Ryan Nelson beside him but Berbatov would rather flick the ball around in midfield than actually play in a forward position! I would love for him to actually just stay up in the last third of the pitch when we’re on the attack!

  13. AlphaRS says:

    @Marq
    Of course he is defending Berbatov. That is what this whole article is about isn’t it?
    Torres has better stat’s than Rooney. Does that make him a better player? No it doesn’t.
    You are quite correct in saying the midfield went missing because it is glaringly obvious as it was in the Champions League Final 2008 that they are not strong enough in midfield. You are also right in saying that Berbatov did not miss chance after chance because he wasn’t on the end of any chances because as a forward he was never in the position to take advantage of any. Same against Blackburn.
    Tevez acted a complete twat. But while he was at United he was hard working AND scored some vitally important goals to contribute to the success at United. I don’t hold him in hign regards now but I won’t begrudge him the impact he had on the team while he was with us just because he acted a twat in the end.
    If Tevez scores 100 goals you would still see him as crap. I fail to see the logic in that.

  14. CROoney says:

    you’re becoming pathetic with berbatov defence…you’re getting desperate

    he’s a fucking joke

  15. GTull says:

    Great to see another fair and considered opinion on Berba from you Scott!

    Like him or not, get behind the guy.

  16. wiuru says:

    Personaly im with Berba , he had a bad day at Blackburn but so did others. Price tag well we paid it .He will live up to it Either by him finding a way to fit in , or SAF adjusting tactics to accomadate him. If im not mistaken Actim last season had him 3rd out of 100 in its rankings !!! he didnt just Land in that spot. Our press is S*** they would destroy Mother Threasa to make headlines . Lets just keep the faith , He wants to be here , Not a Money grabbing Teve£ .

  17. kel says:

    I think Berbatov is a class player. he created plenty for other players. But consider the forward we had right now, he is at the club at the wrong time. Imagine he had lots of quality players around him, he could had easier time. But our midfield is not a strong area with Hargreaves, Anderson out injured, Scholes, Giggs can’t run and create much, Valencia and Nani will surely be tired running back to defend and having to create something when there is no quality upfront with Rooney, Owen injured and no other strikers to pair with.

    This in turn makes Berbatov our first and only hope striker in the team. Which is why we need more goals than in the past as there is no quality upfront to pair with at the moment. There is many area we are weak in the team. The central area is the most concern for us as we can’t dominated games much than we could have like.

    I really feel sorry for Berbatov as last season he had plenty of support from Tevez and Ronaldo who are of world class player and Anderson who plays some part in midfield. A year gone, Ronaldo and Tevez leaves, Scholes, Giggs a year older and Valencia is not a goal scorer consider he had to run back to defend for Neville who is outpaced most of the times. Evra playing more matches than others thus becoming tired and no replacement for him. Nani playing well but consider his crossing and having no striker at the moment in the box other than Valencia against Blackburn, no way he could cross.

    I believe Berbatov could be much efficient in teams like Spain and Italy where they play much lesser pace in England.

  18. Corea says:

    “I do not condone booing any United players but I can certainly see their point of view.” you can’t seat on 2 chairs mate.

  19. Scott the Red says:

    AlphaRS and CROoney – I’m not even defending Berbatov any more, I’m trying to work our fans out. Why did our fans worship Tevez last season, despite him only scoring 5 goals? Why did our fans love Smith, despite him only scoring 6 goals?

    Berbatov has scored/created pretty much one goal per game, in terms of the time he has been on the pitch this season, but because he hasn’t run around like a headless chicken in doing so, we want to get rid.

  20. BabyFaceAssassin says:

    @Marq

    Completly agree about getting our midfield right this I think is our biggest problem which should have maybe been resolved at the start of last season…We just dont has any creativity from the middle…its sometime really very irritating…we can really be predictable…just need one man there Goucuff end of story…keep the rest of midfield in place…it also looks like Scholes will retire gracefully…

    I really like Berba and want him to do well…but we just cant wait for things to happen..so I think Fergie
    will go for a goal scorer in the summer…

    Also against the Blackburn game…if Valencia has taken that chance…one on one with the keeper…would we have then not praised Berba for his vision?

  21. AlphaRS says:

    @Corea
    Ofcourse I can. I don’t agree with booing him but I can see why fans feel the need to do so.
    Because they think he is shite and believe that is the best way to let him know.
    I think he is shite but chose not to boo him but support him and every other player wearing a United shirt.
    So I do understand their point of view.

  22. Shak says:

    I never rated him at spurs or wanted us to sign him! I never thought he was our type of player n I desperately wanted him to prove me an others that we were wrong. Time to be ruthless SAF n ship him and a couple of others out the door. The old guard though over the hill n not having the impact they did should be kept for the experience and to continue the legacy and traditions thru the ranks whether it’s management in some capacity or ambassadors.

  23. sprite says:

    Alpha_rs
    Let me compare Berbatov to Tevez when they was playing for worse clubs then..
    ALL competitions:
    berbatov 06/07:
    43 games, 23 goals, 15 assists: involved in 38 goals..
    berbatov 07/08:
    42 games, 22 goals, 13 assits: involved in 35 goals..
    Tevez:
    09/10
    34 games, 28 goals, 7 assists: involved in 35 goals

    wonder how many penalites that is though.. how many penalties has tevez scored this year? cant remember berba took all spurs penalties

  24. Marq says:

    @AlphaRS

    Tevez is crap, no logic needed, same reason why people blame Berbatov for our team’s failing

  25. Aidan Casserly says:

    Stats can be made say a thousand things … it’s clear he’s a great player .. just not a player suited to Utd’s style .. Utd were never a sit back team and we’re that when he Plays I’m afraid …
    It’s time for Fergie to sell at a loss and invest in a player who’s up to the high spead Utd pace … Benzema picked RM ahead of Utd .. I don’t think he should come to Utd because his first season wasn’t one he’d want to remember. You only get one chance to turn down Utd and Benzema had his chance … move on and next player please …
    back to the point .. Berbatov must move on … simple when you think about it ..

  26. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Will you just let it go? We’ve had 2 or 3 days of Berbatov based blogs, everyone has nailed their colours to their masts. All this new story will do is give us another day of “he is class” / “he is shite” comments.
    Im not sure why you bring Alan Smith into it either, your comment at the end stating that “Berb out Smithy in would make our fans happy”, where did you get that out of?
    As for your stats, like someone else asked for yesterday, why not list the games where his assists and goals come from, that might put a true shine on his contributions, and maybe it will sway people on him one way or the other?
    I personally dont think Berbatov fits in, but I dont like reading the derogatory comments that get written about him on here either. He’s quality, he doesnt fit in to what Fergie is trying to do – end of story.
    You’re like a dog with a bone regarding Berbatov Scott, and thats grand, you like the player and think he didnt get a fair whack, and its your blog and you can write whatever you want, but I think you’re just stoking the fire by repeatedly writing these Berbatov articles.

  27. sprite says:

    it is very clear that it is harder to succeed at utd than city or spurs.. something you can see of tevez 5 goals last term.. here they have more defensive duties and everyone can see how much time berba spends in midfield.. do you think it is because he wants to, or because SAF want him to? I think SAF has pretty much control of what his players do.. therefore I suggest it is very unnessecary to compare berba this year to this years tevez

  28. Corea says:

    I am useless but i can’t help myself.
    If we are talking about the Blackburn game and the way Berba didn’t try to get into the box. You can count on me watching his every step in every game he plays for us. Every time he got into the box he waved to the plays to play him but every single time he was ignored. Every single time.
    Look at how Scholesy and Giggsy sometimes link with him. they know his qualities and they understand him better than anyone else. But they all are something from the past and i think Berba pays price for this. will also be interesting to find out the amount of distance Berba covers during the football game.

  29. berba fan says:

    i think we should give him another season to prove himself.nani has got another chance and he is shit…..he couldnt even get past salgado on sunday who was made a show of by gareth bale just a few games ago and we all know how bad bale is.

  30. welovethereds says:

    stats dont prove anything! you can judge a players performance by theit stats. last season when rooney wasnt contributing to the goals, his stats wouldnt have been half as admirable as ronaldos… yet people can rooney is a better player. its all round contribution to the game, not just what they do on paper. we fucked up selling tevez and buying berbatov why cant people just admit it and swallow some pride instead of always admittign fergie does the right thing. yes hes a legend but he isnt perfect and is entitled to make errors, which this one has proven. if the stories about buying benzema are right then brilliant cos he can play wide in a 4 5 1, and thats the type of striker we need. not someone who is ‘creative’ when theres noone to create for. rooney is creative, and as he has proven by playjng up top on his own, he doesnt need berb to get the best out of him.

    any body remember the days when we had hargreaves scholes and carrick centre mid? rooney ronaldo tevez up front? champs league winners? we were unbeatable, and look how our team has changed since then????? downhill unless it gets sorted? no defending our lack of big game victories. theres no coincidence, and i love united but im not gonna defend them just because our stats prove otherwise.

  31. goldenballs says:

    But look at who he scored against?

    2 x Bolton
    Fulham
    Everton
    pompey
    Burnley
    2 x Wigan
    hull
    Blackburn
    Sunderland
    Stoke

    Not good enough in the big games – like Liverpool away or Chelsea at home when we really needed him.

  32. CROoney says:

    scott – mate…because of the things he did the previous season..because of scoring against liverpool, because of scoring with the last touch of the game against spurs, againts blackburn, because of his magnificient brace against wigan, because of him putting to bed roma encounter, because of his opener against chelsea, because of his equalizer against lyon that saw us through, because of his goal against porto…because of the importance of the goals, because of his style …his style made defenders into mistakes and it resulted with opponents attacks being reduced and their chance limited…because of him forming the magnificient trio which brught the best out of 3 players involved

    and we don’t like berbatov because we could do without him and he’s only scored a few goals that brought us the points…most of his goals were second or third of the match already won …we don’t like him because he has failed to score against anyone ranked above 8th this season…or 7 th…we don’t like him because he didn’t provide what he was brought for…and that’s europe – he’s failed to score in the entire CL campaign
    cheers…

  33. CROoney says:

    btw…tevez scored 5 and he 9 – wooooow – what a difference

    btw, tevez scored 15

  34. Scott the Red says:

    Goldenballs – if he played 90 minutes in the big games, then fair enough, but Chelsea at home is the only big game he has been given 90 minutes in and the whole team played like shit for most of that.

    Corea – Why wasn’t Berbatov in the box? Because the rest of the players couldn’t get the ball to him when he was? How many balls in to the box were there on Sunday? 3?

    North Stand Tier 3 – Give it a rest? If I want to blog about Berbatov, I will do. If you don’t want to read it, don’t come here. How is he supposed to score against top opposition if the manager doesn’t play him against top opposition? I thought the Smith comment was fairly obvious – he was never booed by our fans, despite rarely scoring, so maybe that is what we prefer? We like strikers who run around a lot and put in tackles, but who don’t score many goals? So fine, get rid of the striker who scores goals who we don’t like and bring back the striker who didn’t score goals who ran around a lot and who we like.

  35. CROoney says:

    oh and because of his magnificient back heel equalizer against wigan

  36. sprite says:

    stats doesnt tell anything? goals is what football is about.. therefore stats are more important than someone here suggests…
    stats about how much a player runs, passes complete, fouls, yellow cards is less important though

  37. AlphaRS says:

    @Scott the Red
    Alright pal. From a personal point of view I did not worship Tevez but I understood the impact he made at United the 2 years he was with us. Your statistics I believe do not tell the whole story. Tevez scored some vitally important goals against Liverpool, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Blackburn to name a few which contributed to the success of the team. Also his workrate was exceptional. He chased lost causes, put pressure on defenses, and forced them in to making mistakes. The same job Rooney was doing incidentally.
    It’s like saying Torres is better than Rooney because he has better stats even thought Rooney’s overall input in to the team completely dwarfs than of Torres. But how do we quantify work rate and overall input in to the team to justify Rooney is better than Torres.
    Rooney had to change his style of play in 4-3-3 too. He used to drop deep and go out wide until it clicked that he had to remain the focal point and remain central to be as effective as required. He has time on his side to adapt. Unfortunately Berbatov doesn’t. He just doesn’t fit in to 4-3-3.

  38. Corea says:

    @AlphaRS –
    “Because they think he is shite and believe that is the best way to let him know.” – oh yeah i understand. it is the best way to let him know. of course. i don’t even dare to think this raises their ego.

  39. Stu says:

    Berba doesn’t seem to give it all for the team thats why. When you saw Smithy come on he was like one of the fans looking desperate to win at all costs. Same with Tevez! It isn’t just the running that makes the fans love them it is the desire to win something that Berbas attitude doesn’t show. Also with Tevez he use to score goals for us when we needed them, think it was Stoke when he scored the winner granted i think Berba set him up but still I just can’t remember scoring a winner against Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, City, Milan or anyone like that. He can’t just rely on Rooney to do that anymore whihc we seem to be doing. I don’t hate Berbatov at all but just don’t think he is what we need anymore. We need a natural goal scorer who can come on and score a winner himself rather than set someone up. Also don’t think Carrick is pulling his weight at the moment. I’m not a fan who thinks the worst and we will finish 5th or anything stupid, also think with selling Ronaldo last year and finish 3rd or 2nd is good but we’re United we expect more. Think we need to buy in the summer with an attacking Midfielder a must! Not sure what others think however one thing we can all agree on is We’ll Never Die! LUHG

  40. kel says:

    @Scott, A football matches is good to look on stats but sometimes it is deceiving. I think Tevez score goals for us in a match which is so critical like the score is draw at the moment and he score and win the game for us. Berbatov score less of the deciding goal which in turn makes fans remember he did nothing much compare to tevez. Berbatov score goals when the score line is 2-0, 3-0 when we are winning which makes no much difference than tevez who score when the score is draw and we needed a goal to win.

    He make bigger impact and our never say die spirit. I feel Berbatov is bring more bad impact to the team with his whinging and moaning at team mates. You look at the Blackburn match, he ask this and that player to move here and there with his hand, you see him berating all team mates and getting slow to walk up and blaming this and that. Our fans has eyes and see it even our team mate who are chasing the game and not wanting to kick the ball out to let him had treatment.

    He is bringing our sympathy to him and not him bring confidence to us. With tevez running non stop you feel that he could create something or perhaps win the game for us even with one minutes left because he never gives up. Whereas with Berbatov, i give up in the first half as i can’t stand him doing a central midfielder job and no one in the box. This is not his fault because our team central area is not strong and no one to support Berbatov upfront.

  41. Corea says:

    @Scott the Red – he got into the box and into some good positions but he was ignored.

  42. Dec the red says:

    i thought united fans were better than to boo our own players…i’m really disappointed with the fans at that blackburn game that decided to boo him. Berba oozes with class, it’s such a shame owen is out injured because him and berba would have been a great partenrship as we saw in pre-season.

  43. willierednut says:

    AlphaRS – Why is Scott still defending him, com’on mate he hasn’t murdered anyone for fooksake. Most of us agree, that Berba’s time is running out, but for the life of me i can’t see why he’s hated so much.

  44. Marq says:

    @CROoney

    Its ironic for your name, but care to tell me how many games it took for Rooney to find the net in europe this season?

  45. AlphaRS says:

    @sprite
    Hadn’t thought of it that way that Berbatov took all Tottenham penalties.
    I am still interested to know this seasons stats for Berbatov at United and Tevez at City.

  46. Dela says:

    @AlphaRS,

    “Ofcourse I can. I don’t agree with booing him but I can see why fans feel the need to do so.
    Because they think he is shite and believe that is the best way to let him know.
    I think he is shite but chose not to boo him but support him and every other player wearing a United shirt.
    So I do understand their point of view.”

    Absolute tripe. Berbatov haters are full of it particularly because he is singled out for criticism by the glory hunting section of United supporters (unfortunately, quite a large crowd) even if the ENTIRE TEAM plays like crap. Against Blackburn, Berbatov should have had an assist but Valencia made a major screw up in front of goal from an absolutely beautiful pass from Berbatov. I suppose Valencia’s miss was Berba’s fault to? All people like you understand is goals, you don’t appreciate the quality he shows on the field when he is on top form, you only understand United in the final third, which is an area Fergie rarely has Berbatov playing.

    I’ve always found that people like the glory hunting section of United supporters _always_ aim all of their rage at one “simple” solution.. in this case Berbatov, ignoring the fact that we are incredibly unlucky not to still be on top of the league after both Chelsea games didn’t go our way for controversial reasons, and the fact that we were plagued by injury for a huge part of the season. Bottom line, Ferguson trusts Berbatov, has a role for him to play in the team and gets him to play in it, and doesn’t give a flying f**k what you or any other Berbatov hater has to say about it.

    The things I’ve seen Berbatov blamed for in comments on this blog alone are absolutely ridiculous, whereas when English players like Neville play like absolute crap they don’t get booed… and they shouldn’t. No United fan should boo a United player. You either get behind your team or get off the bandwagon. Plenty of clubs out there like City and Chelsea where its common for fans to hate and boo their own players for you lot to choose from.

  47. sprite says:

    None of you Berba basher who posts here has actually posted any answer to Scotts answer.. why were Smith and Tevez adored, while berba is not.. what if tevez or smith had failed to scored in the last 2(!) games they had played as a lone striker.. would they have been booed?

  48. gazmask says:

    Whats annoys me about berbatov is he very rarely creates a yard for himself to have a shot at goal.
    Shift it and hit it like most strikers try to do. On sunday he got into some good positions against blackburn but looked for the pass instead of having a crack at goal.
    Has anyone else noticed this about him or am i analysing him to much?

  49. AlphaRS says:

    @Corea
    Well for whatever reason they do it then it is up to them. I am nobody to tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t be doing. My opinion is that it is wrong and therefore I will never partake in booing our own players. They pay their money for the ticket and they are welcome to their opinons.

    @willierednut
    I know he hasn’t murdered anyone. Personally I don’t hate him. I’m just trying to justify why he isn’t right at United. Class or not. Although I’m still trying to figure out how fancy flicks are class when we need goals in vital games and they just aren’t coming….?

  50. Scott the Red says:

    So Stu, that’s the point I’m getting at – you would rather United have a striker who “gave their all for the team” and didn’t score very often to a striker who didn’t “give their all for the team” but scored more goals? From your strikers, it is more important that they “give their all” than it is score goals?

    From a midfielder, fair enough, but why is this a quality we require from our strikers?

  51. CROoney says:

    Marq

    i hope you’re taking a piss in comparing roo to berbatov…ESPECIALLY their performances in europe…by the time berba scores his next goal in europe it will have passed almost 2 full years…

  52. Chep says:

    I agree the worst thing that happened to him was the price tag. if you compare delivery to price it is not much in his favour. unfortunatelly. I wouldn`t mind him to play in those games where he can benefit from the tactics with 2 strikers etc, but then it means he is the 30m sub for crucial games which look weird at least. or can we use him as the 3rd striker in case we buy someone? e.g. Villa, Benzema? Villa and Rooney upfront or Benzema and Rooney upfront and Berba on the bench? I am not sure. The price tag is the problem. I think also for sir Alex

  53. alexram says:

    big teams he looks so so poor

  54. Dec the red says:

    the thing i don’t get is why people say berbatov is lazy, he got that tag while he was at spurs and has been plagued by it since. If you watch berbatov this year he’s been harrying defenders more than rooney has, i’d like to see stats the distances berba runs in matches because i reckon it would be better than rooney this season.

  55. brett1985 says:

    Scott

    If you really want to understand then you should invite people with constructive views to comment rather than ostensibly aiming an article at those who scapegoat or have an axe to grind. Striking down the points that extremists make may be childs play but drawing them into the blog isn’t desirable.

    Next, I didn’t think much of Alan Smith and I condemned the chanting over Fergusons speach. I didn’t want us to pay 25m for Tevez, much less 47m, although Ronaldo leaving wasn’t known at the time.

    To tell the truth there has been enough debates and comments in the past that fleshed out the issues and rather than starting a new topic which essentially amounts to pro Berbatov propoganda why not look over some of the old discussions to see how criticisms of Berbatov have built up over time.

  56. Robert S says:

    If Berbtatov would score 2-3 important goals (like Tevez or Owen have done), the fans would start loving him. I really believe this would kick-start his career with United.
    Without a doubt Berbatov has got class. His lacking pace really shouldn’t be a problem with partners like Rooney, Owen, Diouf und Hernandez in the future. I also believe that Berbatov would flourish if we would stick to playing 4-4-2 and he would get a few games alongside Rooney. But due to injuries (Anderson, Hargreaves) and form (Scholes, Carrick, Giggs) we can’t dominate games with only two central midfielders at the moment.

  57. AlphaRS says:

    @Dela
    “Absolute tripe” – Wow it is only a opinion mate.
    I try and give valid opinions and it’s absolute tripe. I can’t stand this kinda crap.

  58. CROoney says:

    scott . there are some things that stats don’t show you…it’s the importance of the goals and the quality of those…btw why not comparing tevez’ first season ? what ? he didn’ t score 19 goals in one season did he ?like i said, mate it’s getting pathetic..also tevez clicked perfectly with the team and YOU COULD PLAY HIM IN THE BIG GAMES BECAUSE HE WOULD DELIVER

  59. Marq says:

    @CROoney

    My point is, since it also took Rooney so long to find the net in europe this season, surely the only constant would be our midfield? And not because Berbatov played badly.

  60. AlphaRS says:

    @CROoney
    Why hasn’t SAF played Berbatov in big games if he is class and so fantastic? Says it all really.
    Berbalovers can try and explain that one.

  61. Scott the Red says:

    CROoney – Berbatov has made a handful of appearances in Europe this season and has only played for 90 minutes once, so that point is redundant.

    AlphaRS – I mentioned that point in this article. Did you even read this or just start slagging him off as soon as you saw Berbatov’s name in the title lol.

  62. CROoney says:

    it’s almost like man untied are competing only in the EPL…like no other competition exists when comparing berba to tevez…bertba is not class….at all…even bent and jones score 2nd or 3rd goals against the likes of hull and stoke which have no relevance whatsoever…he was paid for at least scoring against those..that’s the minimal what he can do

  63. AlphaRS says:

    @brett1985
    Think I’m gonna give up posting. Moderate views getting ripped apart again.
    It’s just getting stupid now.

  64. hesselbom says:

    First of all, a disclaimer, I really like Berbatov and his style of play. I hope he stays because he is a United player and I always support United players.

    But at the same time, stats really doesn’t show the whole picture. While Tevez’ running could be seen as unnecessary it put pressure on the opponents and made them make mistakes that could open for a goal opportunity, get the ball back or simply a bad clearance. That is really valuable to have and that is something that can’t be shown with stats.

  65. kel says:

    Mate, the one reason and the most important ones is Tevez and Smith bring confidence and hope with our never say die spirit whereas Berbatov brings petulance and moaning with frustration and this demoralize the whole team. This is the most important reason why other fans loves tevez and Smith. I play football in my country and i know what influence can bring to a team.

  66. Corea says:

    @AlphaRS – i can’t slate a person if i haven’t played a single game at this level. they saw something and they say they saw it clearly and they feel like they are entitled on singling one player out ?
    It is the lowest point that one can reach in his life. We are all humans, we are all egoists. Some of us fiight the monsters inside other become monsters themselves. They pay their money ? What is money ? For some giving 500 pounds hire a sitter for their parents is enough but can you imagine some of them sitting with them 24/24 when their parents are ill?
    Everything is relative in this life.

  67. CROoney says:

    “Berbatov has made a handful of appearances in Europe this season and has only played for 90 minutes once, so that point is redundant.”

    and why is that Scott…because he’s just not good enough…wtf are you talking about…no one is forcing him out of the team except of his inability to cope with high quality/speed footie…jeez

    it’s not like he’s warming the bench to an inferior player like tevez, no…saf prefers one legged roo to him…says it all really

  68. gazmask says:

    If sir fergie preferred a 50% fit wayne rooney over a fully fit berbatov against the germans then i think that says a lot about what he thinks berbatov can produce when it matters

  69. Ando08 says:

    why hasnt Berba played in big games? because he likes to play with one up top and he wants 3 midfielders for extra security and possession. nothing against Berba as a player but he wont fit into the system.

  70. CROoney says:

    hesselbom

    excactly mate…plus berbatov ‘s style has REDUCED THE NUMBER OF OPPOSITION ATTACKS

    and that reduces the goal scoring opportunities

  71. Scott the Red says:

    CROoney – Like I just said to AlphaRS who asked the same question, I have suggested answers to that in the article. Did you even bother to read it or just start slagging Berbatov off straight away? The bandwagon isn’t ignorant, surely?

  72. alexram says:

    if we had tevez im sure we would be top and in the champs league. i used to love berb but he clearly cant perform in big games, anyone who goes to ot see’s him struggle unless some 3rd choice bolton centre back is marking him, has great touch and passing but not a threat no one gets up of there seat when he gets hold of the ball on edge of the box like we did with rooney, ronaldo, tevez etc. no one wanted tevez to fail and berb to prosper but he just can not handle good defenders and teams. one point against blackburn one person had the ball in the box and he was walking around about 15 yards from the edge of the box behind blackburn players making no effort to get into the box…..explain why???

  73. willierednut says:

    Even after everything that happened with Tevez last season, i don’t hate the guy. As i’ve said before, Tevez was brillant for us and scored big goals in the double winning season, but the abuse Berba gets i’ll never understand.

  74. Chris20LEGEND says:

    The past is gone, Only Scousers dwell on the past!

    How about the present, you can go on about whos better tevez or berbatov, off the pitch and with the media obviously Berbatov is the player you would rather have in a united shirt due to tevez’s constant ranting on, but its on the pitch that counts.

    THIS SEASON

    Tevez :

    Goals 22 (28 in all Comps)
    Appearances 30 (37 in all Comps)

    Notables
    Winner against Chelsea
    Equalised against Bolton to get a draw
    Hatrick against Blackburn
    2 goals away at chelsea, equaliser and put them 3-1 up (city won 4-2)
    Hatrick against wigan

    Berbatov:

    Goals 12 (12 in all comps)
    Apps 29 (39 in all comps)

    Notables (goals that make a fucking difference)
    first against stoke (finished 2-0 to United)
    Equaliser against Sunderland 1-1 (finished 2-2)
    First against Blackburn
    First against Burnley
    Started us off against everton (lost 3-1)

    As you say Scott stats say it all…
    If the question you ask is who should we have held onto? the answer is tevez due to the individual performances of each player…

    Its not Berbatov isnt right for United, its that United isnt right for berbatov (our lone striker formation anyway) Get Berbatov in a team along side rooney with a decent midfield and he’d out do tevez any day…

  75. CROoney says:

    hesselbom – i meant tevez’s style

    at scott – yes i read that , i’ve heard them all, but the fact is that SAF can play roo, he could have played tevez in the big matches but he just can’t and won’t play berbatov

  76. sambo says:

    Berbatov just isn’t an adaptable player, as Alpha says… he plays only one way… and unless we geared the whole team up to play for him, he won’t do us much good. Last player we had like that was RVN and while he was with us it was pretty much only him doing the goal scoring. That really was a miserable time, as one thing about United is that the whole team contributes goals and since he left we’ve been terrific on that score.

    Now… I don’t give two hoots about Tevez… he did a job for us, true enough, but I couldn’t stand the nasty little creep and after a pretty crappy year last year in terms of goal return I was glad to be shot… just a shame he didn’t go further than Eastlands. That said, he is a far more productive TEAM player than Berbatov is. One or two nice touches and showboats cannot make up for what is quite frankly a disappointing goal return from somehow who has played a high proportion of our games this year.

    And lets face it, we’ve always had trouble finding the right strike partnerships at this club… now and again we get lucky and find one that works, but not really since Cole and Yorke, Sheringham and Solskjaer have we had that and quite frankly, it seems that Rooney plays better on his own in a pseudo 4-3-3 than in a 4-4-2 anyway.

  77. Marq says:

    @CROoney

    You don’t seem to understand why we play 451? It is not because Berbatov is not good enough to get into the starting 11

  78. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Scott, I did state in my post that its your blog and you can write what you want, so dont throw your toys out of the pram. My point was (and has been proved in the last 15 minutes since) that all this story will do is give us the exact same arguement as we had the last 3 days, you could copy and paste some of the comments yesterday on different stories and put them in here.
    Just cause I read your blog most days doesnt mean I have to agree with everything you write – a point that some other posters on here would do well to remember. You’re making it look that anyone that doesnt feel Berbatov is all he was menat to be is now anti United and not ‘true’ supporters, and that aint the case. Me and my mates live and breath United, so just cause I doubt the contributions Berbatov has made over the last two seasons doesnt mean Im some bandwagon jumping twat, and I certainly wont have my dedication questioned by some posters on here who are clearly following United the last few years only. We’re here to debate, not all link arms, agree on everything, smile and day dream. The posters on here that are backing Berbatov (which is their right) seem to think they have the moral high ground cause all your blogs are painting that picture – how dare we disagree with Scott! Is it a proper debate you are looking for when you write, with comments from the head and the heart, or do you want a zombie nation who hang on your every word and are afraid to speak out?

  79. Macheda IS GOD says:

    this is the people’s reaction when you said you don’t like tevez and ronaldo remember scott? only this time they hate the player….I don’t know anymore whether to love him or hate him.

  80. BabyFaceAssassin says:

    When I think about players like Smith and Tevez I always remeber the saying ” Its not the size of dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog”

    Thats the only explantion I have, Berba comes with a huge price tag(size) and doesn’t compete with the fight that Tevez and Smith bought…Hence this uproar against Berba…it has nothing to do with his contribution to the team…

  81. Fze123 says:

    Why would yout ditch Rooney on the bench, when he is on the form of his life, who has finally adjusted his style to play in a 4-5-1, and pick a half fit, just back from injury Berbatov instead?

  82. CROoney says:

    Hatrick against Blackburn
    2 goals away at chelsea, equaliser and put them 3-1 up (city won 4-2)
    Hatrick against wigan

    lol,says it all

  83. CROoney says:

    Marq – do not underestimate my understanding of the game

    the thing is that he can’t play for us against the big teams in a 442, 452,424 system…he’s incapable to cope with us…i know all about our midfield and it doesn’t bother real players ( rooney )

  84. Corea says:

    Oh. Thats interesting. Using abuse and pointing finger at other bloggers is surely the best way to prove your point. Classless.

  85. CROoney says:

    correcrtion – 4-5-1

  86. Marq says:

    North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row

    I’ll reply for Scott on this one. Don’t like what you read? Don’t read it.

    Bye Bye

  87. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    CRooney, I think you might be on to something there with your 452 system!!! Dont think Van Der Saar would be too happy about it though…ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK!!!

  88. CROoney says:

    berbatov is riquelme and tevez is fletcher…one is a shocker with a great touch and the other is just a winner who doesn’t care about being hit or against who he’s playing

  89. Chris20LEGEND says:

    roflomg CROoney!

    How many did berbatov score against blackburn?

  90. lucasthebest says:

    No, Scott, I can’t agree on you this one!
    May be his current record is better than ever before.. But It is no way near good enough for United.. Let’s think about spur is a team to aim 4th sport is a max.. his record is good enough for Spur.. for us is wining trophies… Huge Gap there!

    Rooney is only one Top level striker right now, we need another one for our world famous club .. Playing alongside Barba means asking rooney to cover for two … it’s not fair on rooney..just to rely on him so much!!

    if we keep the player perform just Barba’s rates, we will be Team like spur not Manchester United.. clearly..!
    So which one I rather choose, no need to answer.. he must better be off.. sooner than later… I ain’t looking back on what if … about Tevez.. Scum left.. we’ve moved on!!

  91. BabyFaceAssassin says:

    @North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row

    lol…wouldn’t mind that extra man in midfield…maybe he will messi in check next season…

  92. AlphaRS says:

    @Scott the Red
    I was hoping you would comment on the response I gave you before that actually.
    And yes I did read your article.

  93. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Well done Marq, Id say that took thought. My point to Scott initially is that we’re going over old ground with this issue, we’ve all made our feelings clear, all he’ll get is a heated debate that will turn into abuse being thrown and people walking off the blog. So Marq, climb out of Scotts arse there when you get a chance and try form your own opinion on something – it aint that tricky.

  94. MG says:

    Scott I applaud your honesty and effort – and for pointing out a simple truth

    All we really need is a midfielder to unlock Berba – someone that basically does what he does – it’s difficult that we have that player – Hargreaves `i believe but has been so unlucky with injuries

    Scholes has had a very off month – very much unlike Scholes and Giggs has come back from injury too quick – giving the ball away does not help at all – and both players of the highest class have been guilty of that – couple with Gary having a few off games – it hasn’t helped results.

    Of course then that’s where you look at Carrick or an Ando – sadly Ando is injured and Carrick after what looked like settling in post new year has suddenly switched off when we really needed him.

    Fletcher has been brilliant but it shows that he needs a break – he has worked tirelessly again yet others around him haven’t shared his enthusiasm.

    I think Valencia has done more than well – he will only get better – it’s sad that when open on Sunday against Blackburn he missed a sitter

    But looking back at that game and with so much possession – we should have created chance after chance – the fact that we didn’t isn’t Berba’s fault – after all he is a striker – it is the fault of the midfield for not giving him and themselves the opportunity to carve Blackburn open time and time again.

    I am extremely proud of how Nani has come back – a little bit of maturity and a little more focus on decision making will get him to the promised land – finally the real Nani has shown up.

    I felt sorry for Macheda on Sunday – he was trying too hard and had no concentration and therefore no impact on the game on Sunday – he is better than that – but will learn.

    I think Gibson is one in the making – put it this way – he’s not scared of playing against the big boys – which is one attribute that you need to be a player these days – he has it – he needs to fine tune his passing game – if he can get to that point – seriously that’s a good thing.

    For all of Neville’s faults that last ditch tackle on Nzonzi may be a blessing in disguise – I do hope so – even though it’s a long shot

    A lot of fans are blasting the older players – and I know why – but we are privileged to have them – they have the perfect experience to pass on to the younger players – without them this team would struggle.

    We all have our off days – it’s sad that it’s all come in the last two weeks – but that isn’t it though.

    I look at Raph and what happened to him and still am scratching my head – he got done and the result changed – Bayern were truly shit in the second game until the sending off changed the game plan

    Again strip everything down from the Chelsea game – they won because of an illegal offside goal – so yes our luck has gone and hasn’t come back – even against Blackburn – pulling Berba down in the penalty box – no penalty – likewise pulling Ji down against Chelsea – no penalty – you wonder if the refs are equalling the Liverpool penalty out – after all just check out the anger from every non United fan regarding that decision

    Of course we have bought our fair share of youth and again our two signings Smalling and Chicharito may or may not have an impact – we have forked out the best part of 20 million pounds – I do not want to get into the money/Glazer’s thing

    At the end if the gaffer says the money is there – fair enough

    And at the end if Berba’s times up then so be it – as mentioned before – partly he is the wrong player at the wrong time for United – partly he isn’t picked by the manager in most of the games (yet still doesn’t bitch or moan like a certain CT) – and finally partly because I don’t think the player has replicated his best years at the best team in United – for whatever reason – no idea – only Berba could truthfully answer that.

    Shades of Veron – and it’s sad because I had a lot of respect for Veron too.

    Could you imagine if we had Berba at the time when we went through three seasons without the league?

    The whole situation is sad – I hope that fate gives us and him a chance to put things right – we’ll see – it all starts tonight then.

  95. CROoney says:

    Chris20LEGEND – i don’t give a fuck..tevez scored hattrick

  96. AlphaRS says:

    @Chris20LEGEND
    Thank you for putting them stats up about Berbatov and Tevez this season.
    I have been asking for them for a while and you have just proved a point.
    Stats that Scott refuses to put up on here because he knows what the outcome will be.

  97. AlphaRS says:

    @BabyFaceAssassin
    We’re already got an extra man in midfield in BERBATOV!
    Think he is gonna do a man marking job on Messi next season! Hehehe.

  98. Scott the Red says:

    North Stand Tier 3 – Don’t throw my toys out of the pram? Lol what? You told me to give it a rest in writing about Berbatov, I simply instructed you not to keep coming here and reading if you don’t want to read articles about Berbatov.

    At no point have I said if you don’t like Berbatov you’re not a “true” fan. Quite the opposite. I have repeatedly stated that everyone is entitled to an opinion on any player at United and there is no “right” or “proper red” opinion. The only fans I have taken a dislike to is those stood around me booing Berbatov at the weekend when we needed him not to be demoralised, for the sake of the TEAM.

    I simply said you are in no position to tell me to “let it go” when it comes to Berbatov. If I want to provide stats to back Berbatov’s contribution and question why players who didn’t contribute anywhere near as much were well respected when Berbatov isn’t, that is up to me. I am asking questions of our support, not telling them what to believe.

    AlphaRS – What Tevez does for City has nothing to do with us. He had two years to score that many goals at United and he didn’t, so what difference does it make what he does at City? He is a poor man’s Rooney and would have to play every minute at the exclusion of Rooney to score that many goals for us, something that would never happen.

  99. kel says:

    Mate, no point in arguing.. If this blog is those who disagree with Scott are not a true united player than i feel there is no point arguing at all. A fans really like a club is when he speaks all in support of the club and not the players. When Nani say to the press about fergie, i mention that we had to let him leave as this is unforgiving. I like Nani a lot and supported him but when he said these, for the sake of the club i feel he needs to leave at that time.

    Scott, if you feel with Berbatov our clubs has and will improve then it’s your choice but many united fans think otherwise which is why they feel there is a need to buy another striker. A real fans is not blindfolded to support your favorite player but to support your beloved club.

  100. Gizmoj says:

    Well I have to admire the effort – once again stats and more stats to tell us why Berbatov is actually fabulous and none of this is his fault. While footy is a team game and the lack of a midfield is undoubtedly a major issue in his style of play the fact is that he simply isn’t up to it in big matches and when selected hasn’t delivered enough, playing in midfield, gesticulating and complaining at all the rest of the team, feigning a punch in the chops etc etc.

    The fact is that he isn’t suitable for us – end of – when our manager selects a half fit striker rather than you you know you’re not working out, to be honest I don’t care what the stats say and I don’t care about comparing him to Tevez, he’s a nice enough guy but its just not happening at anything like the level it needs to to sustain a career at Utd – surely

    Enough of the Berbatov stuff please – he’s not the only player to be under the microscope but he’s the only one we paid £30m for. As for the comparison of effort you would have to be an idiot to not value the “effort” and “running around” that players put in, effort breeds confidence and hope and that is precisely why we have scored and won matches late on in the past, that side of our game wasn’r anywhere against Blackburn and I actually begin to wonder if Chelsea taking the league might do us a favour this year and at least we would sort out our issues within the squad… (don’t really want that – i feel sick now!!!)

  101. berba fan says:

    how many chances has he made for the team that other players havnt taken???on sunday if valencia had of scored from berbas pass we wouldnt have a problem

  102. CROoney says:

    at scott

    ” If I want to provide stats to back Berbatov’s contribution and question why players who didn’t contribute anywhere near as much were well respected when Berbatov isn’t, that is up to me”

    true, but you’re slowly losing your credibility and themn the unbiased fans won’t take you seriously anymore, and you’ll be stuck with few of those who share your opinion

    now this is a friendly advice but serisously, i’m from croatia and if you said to someone from the continent that there are some people who think berbatov has been a success and that he’s better than tevez they would not take you seriously

  103. CROoney says:

    berba fan

    that’s AT LEAST WHAT HE CAN DO a single simple pass mate…single fuckin pass

  104. Walk in the Park says:

    cmon! this thing again??…

  105. AlphaRS says:

    @Scott the Red
    If we are saying that what Tevez does at City this season is not relevant to United then at the same time how can we say what Berbatov did at Tottenham is relevant to United?

  106. Scott the Red says:

    CROoney – Well, I guess people from the continent don’t follow football like we do over here. I’m sure in England we all know that Tevez was the 53rd highest scorer in the league last season and was still adored, yet when Berbatov is the 10th highest scorer in the league he is booed.

    Those who are against Berbatov and for Tevez/Smith can’t sway my opinion, just as I can’t sway theirs. I want our strikers to score and create goals. If you want your strikers to run around a lot and put in tackles, at the expense of scoring goals, then that is your choice. I’d argue that was an admirable quality in a midfielder, not a striker, but meh, what does that matter.

    AlphaRS – I again have to ask you if you even read the article? The title is Berbatov at Spurs vs Berbatov at United, and one of the questions being asked is whether we have the player at United that Ferguson wanted so badly when he was at Spurs. It is all explained very clearly if you take time to read it, instead of repeatedly asking me questions that have already been answered in the article.

  107. berba fan says:

    one pass is all it takes to change a game

  108. CROoney says:

    Scott the Red – does man united play only the EPL…is that the only competition that we play in ?

    and did football /tevez/ existed before last season ?

    tevez outscored berbatov in both seasons for the club…and that’s another stats !

    jeez

  109. schmadmir says:

    AlphaRS: I can definetly understand your point of view.

    So here are the official stats for Berbatov and Carlos Tevez for Premier League 09/10:

    Berbatov:

    Goals: 12
    Assists: 6

    Total goals contributed: 18 (1 goal per 103 minutes of play)

    Tevez:

    Goals: 21
    Assists: 7

    Total goals contributed: 28 (1 goal per 94,64 minutes of play)

    Carlos Tevez has also been injured for some time, he also had to adapt to a new club, new management (twice) as well as a different set of players (obviously not as good as ours).

    Still, while retaining that hunger for chasing down lost causes, he has scored only five goals less than the once in a lifetime-season that rooney is having. He has also created 7 goals for his team mates. Not bad considering we’re slating him of as useless and a rubbish player. Yes, he was rubbish and mostly useless for us the last season, but that wasn’t down to ability. It was down to his mentality (or rather lack of).

    Im not slating Berbatov, he has actually delivered some good stuff this season, but don’t be so naive as to belive that Tevez is an inferior player.

    I think we should keep Berbatov, but we need to find a tactic that allows us to use him more as well as using him against the top sides (Scotts suggestion of buying a world class central midfielder should fit the bill)

    UNITED!

  110. Scott the Red says:

    CROoney – the league is the only constant, that is why I’ve used those stats. A player could score 5 goals in a game against third division opposition in the cup, but is that as credible as scoring 5 goals against Premiership opposition? No.

  111. AlphaRS says:

    @Scott the Red
    Sorry mate it must be because I am stupid.
    Berbatov is class. End of.

  112. Scott the Red says:

    AlphaRS – Nobody is saying you’re stupid, but twice now you’ve asked me questions that have already been answered in the article.

  113. kel says:

    Last post on this post.

    The one reason and the most important ones is Tevez and Smith bring confidence and hope with our never say die spirit whereas Berbatov brings petulance and moaning with frustration and this demoralize the whole team. This is the most important reason why other fans loves tevez and Smith.

    That is the reason Tevez was the 53rd highest scorer in the league last season and was still adored, yet when Berbatov is the 10th highest scorer in the league he is booed.

  114. CitizenErased says:

    Fair enough, but let us not forget that Tevez has found the net 21 times this season and has 7 assists, would you rather have that or Berba’s 12 goals 6 assists.

    Personally I don’t dislike him, but I really dont think we are the right club for him, I’m desperate to be proven wrong, the difference for me is with feeling, I dont think facts and figures tell you everything about football.

    When Tevez was on the pitch I always felt that we could score, there was that urgency about him and the desire to win games for us, however with Berbatov I don’t even feel like we are at all threatening when he’s on the pitch, mostly because it takes something brilliant to put the ball in the net when you’ve got your back to goal or are pissing around on the halfway line.

  115. Scott the Red says:

    CitizensErased – For Tevez to score that many goals at United, he would have to play at the expense of Rooney.

  116. CROoney says:

    ok, if the league is the only constant then tevez scored 14 goals in the league against some mighty opponents and he added 4 goals in the CL in his first season…why not comparing those

    because it doesn’t suit your case right ?

  117. Stateside Aussie says:

    Great article. Sums it up nicely. And as I said yesterday, I think Berbatov will leave, and I think he should (for his own sake), given that we are either unwilling or unable to play anything but 451/433 — a system that clearly doesn’t allow room for him (or for any top-class striker apart from Rooney acting alone).

    But I’m going to put the cat among the pigeons here. Re your comment about fans driving him out. Do you really think that is happening? And if you do, what does that say about any future scheme of ownership or governorship which could give fans a greater (directly or indirectly) at our great club? Oh, before anyone jumps in, I hate the Glazers and their cursed debt as much as anyone. But what I’m saying is, if “fans” are given the ability to influence major decisions, perhaps by electing (and unelecting) a club president, doesn’t that open the door to “selection by democracy” — a concept that, in sport, I abhor. In sport, I firmly believe that dictatorships work. Otherwise, what happens when a manager (not an established manager like SAF is today, perhaps, but a newer manager … like SAF in his first few years) makes unpopular transfer and/or selection decisions? Will the president be pressured into removing him? If the president (or whoever) stands firm, will that cost him his job in the next election? Will we see assholes running for election on a “platform of reform” (meaning, “I’ll get rid of this stupid manager”)?

    No, I’m not saying a fan-owned club is a bad idea. But before accuses me of scaremongering, let me just say that my intention, and sole intenton, is simply to foster further debate. Because despite the all the (rightful) misgivings and outpouring of emotion about our current situation, what I haven’t seen is any discussion of how a future model might work. These issues might not seem important now, but believe me, if a fan-owned model can be brought in (as I very much hope), then they will be critical. And if you don’t believe, just ask Pep Gardiola at Barcelona — you now, the lifelong Barca player and now astonishingly successful coach, who in a few short years has given their fans more than they could have hoped for, yet has insisted on a one-year rolling contract giving him the option, in effect, to quit if he doesn’t like the outcome of the club’s presidential election? (Sorry, long sentence, in a rush…)

    Just something to think about…

    Cheers!

  118. Gudjohnsen says:

    I want Berbatov to stay. Why not try to use him in the midfield as an attacking midfielder?

    Against Blackburn, I honestly felt a little sorry for him. He was getting the ball deep but in the final third there were few runs around him. Macheda is still developing so I’ll forgive him, but he wasn’t making things easier for Berbatov. They didn’t seem to connect.

    We surely could have used Owen right now. With Berba’s vision and Owen’s runs I think we would have scored against Blackburn. We dominated the game but lacked ideas and clever runs in the final third.

  119. BerbaGod says:

    I am so sad..[irony] Very very sad..[irony] on behalf of the anti-berba bandwagon and berba bashing people.. SAF is a admirer of him and will probably keep him for at least another year.. how many people will shoot themselves if he get a contract extension this summer?

    but how come he is leaving him out for the big games? – everyone will ask..

    SAF hasnt used him for the big games, I know.. but as weak our midfield has been lately we have had to play 451, and big suprise Rooney – mr. on fire #1 this year, has been given preference on top..

  120. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    I feel, like alot on here, that Im banging my head against a brick wall on this issue, and that goes for posters on both sides of the arguement. Ive said as much as I think I need to in both explaining and defending my position, and we’re going round in circles here now, and I would think a few of ye feel the same. Lets just leave it and move on, and agree to disagree.

  121. CROoney says:

    BerbaGod

    “but as weak our midfield has been lately we have had to play 451, and big suprise Rooney – mr. on fire #1 this year, has been given preference on top..”

    yet when berba played against the big teams he failed miserably

  122. Rios_Back_pocket says:

    The amount of times hes put players thru ( valencia v bburn being one) and they miss the chance I BLAME BERBA for that..

    Anyone else notcied how most of Valencias assists have been created by efence splitting balls by Berba leavin Valencia to do the easy stuff but lets not look at that coz its Berba and “we” dont like him

    I find it pathetic that our own fans boo Berba while hes playing for us instead of giving him support…If you boo the guy, do you really expect him to play like he gives a fuck? I know i wouldnt

    No matter what he does he gets critised and when the team perform bad they blame Berba ( and half the time he doesnt even be playin and gets blamed for it)

    We need to remember hes been playing with a knee injury since October, how many of our “give everything for the club” players do that? also remember he chose to play for us instead he couldve fucked off down the rd and earned alot more money

  123. alexram says:

    when he does play in big games he’s a joke

  124. Scott the Red says:

    CROoney – First off, I did mention the 14 goals he scored in his first season, so I’m not sure what you’re getting at?

    Secondly, goals in the CL are still not a constant, because the teams that can be included in “CL teams” are far broader than PL teams. For example, one of Tevez’s goals were against Dynamo Kiev, who didn’t even win the title in Ukraine that season. That isn’t comparable with scoring against Barcelona and the like.

    Therefore, comparing goals scored against Premiership opposition is a much fairer way of comparing players.

  125. Dimitar Berbatov is King says:

    I have got a problem…

    Scott needs credibility? Let’s be honest here, when you are a blogger, a fan opinion blog at that, you don’t have any sort of credibility, only a sense of respect. We come here to hear Scott say what he thinks, not what we want him to write.

    Scott has an opinion. Like all of us here. By suggesting that he is supposed to uphold the moral integrity of journalistic writing (not that many papers do that nowadays), you are seeing his opinions as fact.

    It’s one man’s opinion. Now, we can argue how do you define a good player, that’s basic Sociology, where you question the definition. I see that many of you seem to feel that Tevez is a good player based on the assumption that he runs, he score vital goals, and he puts in a shift. Hmmm. I argue that Berbatov is a good player based on his skills, him scoring more goals, and he does put in a shift by going to the halfway line and collect goals, not to mention participate in the defence. Seeing that, I believe we got a problem as our definitions of what constitutes a good player does not match up.

    Seeing that we can’t seem to agree, how about we just agree to disagree? And let’s be realistic, Scott has an opinion, he voices it, you voice your opinion. No need to be saying shit when we are all Man Utd fans.

    Scott, keep up the good work, I can’t claim to be agreeing to your every opinion, but I do believe that you are doing well. Hope the regulars come back.

  126. Halo says:

    Scott,

    Given your views on Ronaldo’s petulance, what are your views on the same outbursts at his own teammates from Berbatov despite him having nowhere near the same levels of productivity?

  127. BerbaGod says:

    CROoney

    failed miserably? what do you mean? something I have not seen that you have seen? he missed a sitter..?
    do you remember back in November 2007, when we played Bolton and lost 1-0.. well, Tevez was about 0.5 m from goal and hit it wide.. now that is a sitter

  128. arijc says:

    Shouldn’t the blog be renamed, The Republik of Berbatov?

  129. CitizenErased says:

    A good point Scott yeah, but I’m not saying he should or could replace Wayne and I’m certainly not trying to criticise any of your data or the article – which I thought was a great piece.

    I just preferred Tevez to Berbatov (obviously not now), not really for any particular reason that can be put down or shown with evidence, Berbatov just isn’t the right player for me, I would never boo him, but I certainly dont agree with the argument that with proper support and people rallying behind him he will improve, we should have been doing that from the beginning anyway, and he doesn’t strike me as the type that is likely to repay people’s faith in him

  130. berba fan says:

    play berba just behind rooney and then we will see how gud he is.he made robbie keane look a gud player look what has happened to him since he stoped playing with berba.

    And wasnt it only last season when there was questions been asked about rooney being a big game player? why was that coz he was playing out of position like berba is now…….berba is not a lone striker so it is unfair to judge him in that position

  131. CROoney says:

    lol—i know you didn’t mention tevez’ first season…and we both know why…because it would make your case fail…that’s why i’m against partional stats …

    they both had the chance of playing against similar opponents in the CL and berba failed, and that’s why you found appropriate to ignore that aspect of their games

    tevez scored more goals for us despite playing second fiddle to a clearly inferior player for the most of the second season…this season berbatov had no pressure of being subbed by someone inferior because he was given all the time in the world..compare those…tevez has a better goal scoring ratio for us than berbatov and when you take a look at the importance of the goals and the names of the teams he scored against, you would see that you’re totally wrong and manipulating with the stas

    come on scott – write an article of their stats in which you compare their total number of goals and the teams they scored against..it’s not fair that you ingore the goals from the CL becasue CL is part of our history and our legacy…the CL made us this big because when winning only EPL it doesn’t matter that much to the world football

  132. CROoney says:

    scott..my apologies – i misread your post and didn’t see that you mentioned his first season

  133. Tarmy says:

    Berbatov has 4 games to show the calibur that made us pay 30million for him in the first place, I will defend him as long as he is playing for United,

  134. Melvinho7 says:

    Sorry Scott, I have to agree with most people here. Berba’s time is up at United. I think he’s a great player but not a United player. It’s time to get Benzema in, its time for him and Rooney up front.

    Berba’s had 2 seasons with us and only scores against the little teams. He’s never been there when we needed him the most (Bayern, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal etc)

    Fergie summed it up when he played a half fit Rooney against Bayern.

    Football is all about opinions, I agree totally, but mine is Lose the Berbaflop even for 10 million, if we are lucky.

    Bring in Benzema at all costs and watch him become one/if not the best in the world !!!!

    That’s my 2 cents :-)

  135. CROoney says:

    berba fan

    “play berba just behind rooney and then we will see how gud he is.”

    we’ve already tried that, what’s wrong with you ! he has been played behind rooney the entire season !

    BerbaGod – he failed miserably in EVERY big match in the 2 season for the club, apart from the Chelsea match at OT …against inter twice, against liverpool every time, against arsenal everytime, against chelsea pretty much every time,against porto…

  136. Scott the Red says:

    CROoney – I did mention Tevez’s first season though so what are you talking about? Read the article and then maybe you can have a go at having a discussion. It’s a waste of my time though if you can’t even be bothered to read the article first though, otherwise I’ll just have to keep repeating myself, as I have done already in response to you and AlphaRS.

    Melvinho – You don’t need to apologise because we do agree. I think his time is up too. Quite frankly, he deserves better. He can go to a club where the fans want their striker to score and create goals, not run around and put in tackles.

    He can only score against the teams he plays against. Rarely does he get a game for the bit games and when he does, the whole team’s poor performance is blamed on him.

  137. gazmask says:

    I like to look at it this way..
    picture if you can united losing 1-0 or drawing a game they needed to win in a match we are playing with one striker in wayne rooney and we need that goal to turn our season.
    If tevez was still at united competing with berbatov for the second strikers role i would turn to tevez everytime as his introduction alone always seemed to boost the players and fans alike. it seemed to give the players that extra bit of drive with tevez on the pitch and on numerous occasions he scored important goals or even a tackle to win a ball to set up a chance. you cant buy that.
    berbatov in comparison coming on as a goal getting sub does not fill most of the fans with hope.
    He is great player no doubt but he doesnt create that buzz that tevez did.

    i know people are comparing stats but sometimes they dont give the whole picture.

  138. Corea says:

    Chelsea play Bolton today. I will keep my fingers crossed for Bolton to snatch something from the game. Now Chelsea played FA Cup game on Saturday while Bolton is relatively fresh.
    Then Chelsea play Tottenham who now at least have chances to win that 4th spot. A draw would be okay and if we win prior to that at City we will pray till the dying minutes of the season.
    Why i wrote this ? I am not sure we can win anything these days. But if we do i wonder what will be the people’s opinion on this season.

  139. berba fan says:

    we play him there what happens???? rooney scores.

    and benzema isnt good enough for madrid but is for us?

  140. Bishopville Red says:

    You mention Ruud in the article; I consider Berbatov very end of the road Ruud-esque in the sense that the game needs to feature him to get anything out of him, but he simply doesn’t have the pace to keep up with our jets.

    When Berbatov does get to play and is featured as an effective player, it’s the matches where many of us talk about it feeling “slow” and “bogged down” The games where teams park the bus in front of the goal and challenge us to pick them apart in the last third. But if it’s our typical pacey, “flying on the wings” type game, he can’t keep up.

    While Tevez was decreasingly effective, one of the common statements about hims was “he’s a poor man’s Rooney”. We could use one of those right now, judging by the last 12 days. He also had a knack of scoring goals when we needed them most, which I can’t recall Berbatov doing.

    SB

  141. NickOGS20 says:

    “Conclusion: The number of goals Berbatov has scored and created this season is of a higher rate than any of his four years in England, higher than both Carlos Tevez’s years at United as well”

    Er, Berbatov this season = 23%. Tevez in 07/08 = 26%?

    This is the same old fairly desperate running down of Tevez to try and make Berbatov look better. Try telling the bitter lot down the road that Carlos Tevez is a headless chicken who doesn’t score goals.

    I mean this:

    “What does that tell us about the standards of some United fans? Running around and looking to be working hard is a more admirable quality in a striker than scoring and creating goals. Great.”

    It’s just a bit embarrassing really. That 26% for Tevez is better than Berbatov this season and not much different at all to Berbatov last season, and Tevez scored/created 21 that year – the only reason his percentage isn’t comfortably higher than Berba in either of his seasons is because Ronaldo had a freakishly good season that year and we were just a much better team than we are now. And yet you dismiss Tevez as someone who just ‘runs around and looks to be working hard’ for essentially have the same goal/assist stats as Berbatov! Come on.

  142. lastman90 says:

    keep berba….. get some good midfielders in…. lets look forward to the next season

  143. Marq says:

    I dread the day our club becomes fan controlled, the way they want things…

    1) If our 2nd choice striker doesn’t score 20 goals he should be sold,
    2) If our 2nd choice striker scores less goals than other teams’ first team striker, he should be sold.
    3) If our 2nd choice striker cannot dribble past 5 players, dummy the keeper and score, he should be sold.
    4) Our 2nd striker choice must be able to cover for the attacking midfielder position, make a through pass and get to the end of his own ball and slot it into the net, if not, he will be termed a flop.
    5) Ironically, the 1 condition the striker must meet is to be able to run all day by lazing around during training.

    Also, by their logic, Nani, Valencia, Park and Giggs are all flops and should all be sold because Messi score more goals than them

  144. CROoney says:

    ok scott, so you’re telling me that you’re more satisfied with what berba has provided us with than tevez..ok fair enough but i think that it’s pretty obviosu that you’re wrong

  145. Corea says:

    @Bishopville Red – yes i remember. Tevez ran the lengh of the playing field getting rid of 5-6 players and the goalkeeper and scored into an empty net with his butt. Most of them were tap-ins. You need players around you to put the ball into the net. endless…

  146. Costas says:

    @Marq

    Lol, spot on. And don’t forget. It’s all about the 30 MILLION POUNDS! That should equal 30 goals per season and at least 10 Cantona-esque match winning 1-0 goals. If not, the player is instantly shit and a flop.

    Seriously though. Time to end the debate and let Sir Alex handle it from now on. Last time I checked, the league wasn’t dead yet. We can talk about Berba’s future after the season is over.

  147. CROoney says:

    “Tevez ran the lengh of the playing field getting rid of 5-6 players and the goalkeeper and scored into an empty net with his butt”

    he did similar against wigan in his first season,,,alos he didn’t score a simple tap in against west ham, against wigan away last season, against boro, newcastle,spurs,chelsea,roma,lyon,porto etc…

  148. Dave Mack says:

    The problem with every comment that wants Scott to compare Berba / Tevez this season is that they are playing in completely different systems. Tevez played at United in a role similar to Berba’s and was without doubt less succesfull. (He did run around more though!!!) There can be no debate statiscally and no debate from every other point of view in my opinion, especially regarding they handled themselves as individuals.

    The headless chicken holding his ears to the crowd is now a bitter were he is well suited. Berba’s a gifted player who is and always has been comitted to United and deserves our support.

  149. keano99 says:

    Berba is a class footballer but at the minute he is a luxury we cant afford because our midfield is so shite he has to track back and try and get something going for himself and we cant play 2 up front because fergie knows our midfield is shite and dos’nt trust playing 2 in centre midfield. as scott said if we had a keane/scholes(back in the day) partnership in the centre maybe we would see a diferent Berba. He just came to us at the wrong time and were not the right club for him.

  150. Shak says:

    Fuck berba, fuck tevez, n fuck smith!! The rest of u pull ur Tongue out of scotts ass, he can brush his own teeth. We will go on, we will never die!!
    Scott n … Third tier back row, ur both passionate n have great blogs, but the bottom lone is berba isn’t united calibre

    from a football personal point of view, I’d rather have a player like tevez in my Sunday 11 aside team than berba, as he makes the other ten on the pitch believe, that’s raises their game. He’s a cunt though!! Lol!!

  151. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Marq, most of the comments made have obviously gone over your head. Nice to see that you mentioned Giggs (an all time legend) and Valencia (a first season success story) to try add credit to your post when they have as much to do with the arguement as the colour of Fergies shoes. By who’s logic are you referring? The arguements are getting more ridiculous as this goes on.

  152. Marq says:

    Enough of this debate, Sir Alex will decide. Btw, the news flying around saying Berbatov will be sold comes from The Sun, we all know how accurate that paper is…..

    Anyone knows any voodoo? Do us a favour and cast it on Chelsea later

  153. arijc says:

    @Corea
    Your imagination seems to have clouded your memories.

  154. willierednut says:

    arijc – You have a point mate, Scott should change the name of his blog to Republik of Berbatov for having the audacity to support one of our players.

  155. gazmask says:

    @ marq

    we are all comparing both players cos they both were at united at the same time. one was sold and one has stayed.
    i understand tevez’s behaviour was unacceptable and that berbatov’s is the oppisite but we’re not we’re not here to compare behaviours.

    most people are comparing stats of both players but as i pointed out in a previous post tevez created a buzz amongst fans and players. he gave the team a boost and us fans were excited when he was coming on to try to get a goal or even put in a tackle with his head. can you say the same of berbatov???
    does he fill the fans with an expectancy or give our players a boost or score important goals compared with tevez?

  156. Bishopville Red says:

    COREA: You need players who can get on the end of those tap-ins.

    I still think Berbatov is good, just as I thought Ruud was still a good player when he left. But, like Ruud, our preferred, most effective type of play simply does not suit him. His most effective, preferred style of play does not suit the team.

    Bad fit, that’s all.

  157. keano99 says:

    Marq
    I did a two week course in voodoo a few years back ill give it a crack later on.

  158. Corea says:

    Marq – you should give credit to the sun, mate. they have a group of very smart journalists who know how to analize the situation. and you know they were the first to let the world know.

  159. Costas says:

    @willierednut

    Yeah, unheard of. Don’t get me wrong, no player is beyond critisism, but the Berba bashing is exceeding that.

  160. CaerdyddCoch says:

    Stats are one thing. And I still don’t even think those stats are good enough. Those of us who properly criticise Berbatov don’t often bring Tevez into it, but I think someone earlier raised a good point that if you compare Berbatov to Tevez this season then it’s clear who comes out on top. Comparing season-by-season is difficult as football seasons are better. This season has been quite a high goalscoring one and big teams have lost games they normally wouldn’t etc. Still, it’s an impressive investigation statistically.

    But compare it with his all-round play as well. Pro-Berbatov fans can’t honestly say he does enough int he game. It’s stuff that is hard to quantify, but his demeanor, his attitude and his overall game just hasn’t worked. The guy has incredible technical ability, but we only get it in glimpses.

    I also don’t understand all this gash about Benzema kissing the Real badge. Rooney kissed the fuckin Everton badge. “Once a blue, always a blue” and all that nonsense. And when Ronaldo was with us, he always loved Madrid. So? He’s still one of our all-time greats. When Benzema was playing regular football as part of a team at Lyon, he was quality. And he is still young. He would be a fantastic buy.

  161. Corea says:

    @arijc – LOL you know when i read comments about the important goals Tevez scored for us i remember Lyon, Blackburn, Chelsea. they were all being-at-the-right-place-at-the-right-time goals. yes, he scored some crackers but suddenly i just can’t prefer them to the passes Berba gave to Valencia when we scored those beauties with one-touch play.

  162. Marq says:

    @North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row

    I said again, don’t like what you read? Don’t read it. If you think it is ridiculous, then say bye bye to this blog

    Saying me stuck in Scott’s ass and compare him to a dog with a bone, as well as playing with his toys, just shows what kind of person you are, and how you wish things are to be written to your liking.

  163. Costas says:

    @CaerdyddCoch

    I wouldn’t compare Tevez to Berbatov while they were at different clubs mate. It’s like comparing Berba while he was at Spurs to Tevez while he was with us. I would compare what they both did for Man United, but I am not a fan of comparing stats in general. They can be used in many different ways.

    Benzema would have been a fantastic buy a year ago. He could still be a good buy, but I am not that warm about him anymore. It’s not that he rejected us. He wasn’t the first to do so. I just feel that Real have really stalled his career and development.

  164. Corea says:

    http://www.tribalfootball.com/man-utd-boss-ferguson-splash-out-valencia-star-david-silva-767491
    http://www.tribalfootball.com/man-utd-boss-ferguson-determined-land-benzema-second-attempt-767511

    Some other piece of smart vintage journalism. :-D i wonder if some of their so-called journalists visit this blog.

    Do you seriously think we can buy Benzema for 25 mln without bringing Rooney into it ? :) We are aggressive young-talent-grabbing club in opinion of mister Platini. But PerezMadrid is like a godfather.

  165. aig alex is god says:

    Oh God. looks like nothing has changed since the bayern game going by some of the comments

  166. willierednut says:

    The way people feel about Berba, is the way i feel about Carrick. Totally frustrated with him at the minute, but i won’t go in to over drive calling him all the names under the sun. Honestly lads, who gives a fook what Tevez is doing at City, he doesn’t play for us no – more.

  167. Costas says:

    @AIG

    Good to see you again. Of course it hasn’t! It never will. :P

  168. so it goes says:

    Great analysis Scott! Spot on as usual.

    If only more people could make their own opinions based on logical arguments and facts rather than the negative bullshit that the red tops are loving to write and publish. Remember how Nani was supposed to be transferring just a few months ago – and what is the situation now! People talk about the press being ABU and still feed on their crap.

    I wish people would forget about this silly inflated price tag and just look at whether he is contributing (no matter what his body language is… lazy, agressive, whatever) and you clearly show with the stats that he does.

    This whole affair is so sad and in a way I agree that maybe it is best that Berba moves on to prosper where he is appreciated.

  169. lastman90 says:

    keano99; spot on mate, our midfielders are shite & SAF knows it. no 2 ways about it from now on. the midfield section has got to be reinforced.

  170. aig alex is god says:

    @Costas

    Thanks mate. Same here

    Hope you are good.

    I thought thing must have got better here but it seems otherwise. the sesons not over yet so why are people talking about selling players is beyond me.

  171. Costas says:

    @willierednut

    I think there is a sense that the 30million we spent on Berbatov was the last large amount of transfer cash we will fork out and they feel that Tevez was a better investement than Berbatov. Maybe that’s why Tev is brought into the conversation every now and then.

  172. sankgupt says:

    @ Marq – Totally agree mate. This is just a mob mentality being shown by the fans just because we had a bad season (a season which was blighted by defensive injuries and Rooney’s injury at such a critical juncture didn’t help). Somehow this season never looked like it was meant to be with all the debt issues and talks of fans boycotting matches.

    I just have something to say to people who want to compare Tevez this season against Berbatov. The difference is that Tevez is their first choice striker whereas we play 4-5-1 in almost every game with Rooney playing through 90 minutes more often than not.

    Since Rooney was having such a great season we stuck with him as the sole striker. If Tevez was here he wouldn’t hv got a look in either.

    I wouldn’t want a striker who has rejected united. Karim Benzema doesn’t cut it for me, not at his price tag. Why can’t we just stick with the options we have and try to develop our younger crop? Some creativity in midfield is required though.

  173. Green and gold till they fucking die or fold. says:

    it’s really hard to admit,but after spending 18 years supporting this great club,i can say that this team is one of the weakest team we’ve had since SAF took over as our coach.We lack a leader in the Midfield , we lack creativity in Midfield. we can’t afford to deploy two recognized strikers against MOST of the teams in Europe,even when playing at OT. we lost two world class players,one of them was a twat though, and we replaced them with a young but gifted winger and Owen.Again, i must stress, i was a huge fan of Berba and this stats show that we were wrong in bringing him in the first ,not because he’s not a world class player,but because his style of play is not suit Manchester United and never will IMHO.In certain games his passing and link up play may do well.i don’t hate Berba. last year in Blackburn away 2_0 victory ,he was very good .but we had Ronaldo and tevez. I would take Rooney and Tevez up front any day over Rooney and Berba.

  174. CROoney says:

    to all of you who call all the doubters ( berba doubters ) incapable of making their own conclusions instead of reading the newspapers,,,trust me guys, since the moment i saw him playing for us i knew he’s a completely missed investment…since that very first match

    i couldn’t believe all the hype at the time..if i trusted to what i read at the time, i would have most probably consider edhim as god or as cantona at least…

    never ever rated him as anything special and never really agreed with those ” his touch is seond to none, his vision, passing” crap

  175. willierednut says:

    AIG – We signed a player last week, so it’s not just fans that are thinking about players coming in, or players leaving. welcome back

  176. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Marq – “Sir Alex will decide”? He has decided!!! He played a limping Rooney instead of Berbatov against Bayern, and he doesnt play him in any big games.
    Yeah, you and some others are stuck up Scotts ass, ye hang on his every word. Thats not a dig at Scott, its a dig at you. And dont try and make it look like I called Scott a dog, I said on this Berbatov issue he is like a dog with a bone – its a saying not an insult, and I hope he knows what I context it was meant, I thought it was fairly clear, although it went above your head agian.
    But Marq, if you dont like what you read, just leave the blog…

  177. kosio says:

    Why do people insist on talking about Tevez this season and comparing it with any of Berbatov’s seasons? Tevez flourished this season when he was used as a main man in a 433 in city. The particular specifics of this role, the fact that every balls comes to the main striker lead to him scoring a good number of goals, however there can be only one of those strikers in a team.

    So I fail to see the logic between comparing Tevez’ season as a lead striker in 433 with Berbatov playing mostly in support role in 442.

    Furthermore, City this season as a team are similar to Tottenham from last few years. They are a good attacking team with suspect defence that many teams have a go at and this leaves much more spaces for good forward players. United on the other hand spend 75% of their games trying to break teams with 9 men behind the ball in order to get the first goal.

    Either compare Tevez and Rooney or compare Tevez and Berbatov from their time at United. One thing that I give credit to Tevez is that he is an amazing player to have on the bench. when put in as a sub chasing a goal, his energy against tired defenders was often leading to success.

    However, at the end of the day he was not ready to play in a 3 in 2 game this season, he whined and played the fans and I think everybody should be happy with the outcome of his transfer

  178. CROoney says:

    North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row

    spot on !

  179. Corea says:

    @sankgupt – the problem with giving the youngsters their chance is Fergie’s strange assessment of some of them. We have Carling Cup, yes maybe the one and only trophy we win this season, but he plays first team in the semis and final. No more games for the young ones except maybe Besiktas and Wolfsburg in the champions league. After falling short agains Besiktas at home what was the opinion of the people ? Divided i think. Many said it will be a lesson learned but we should give some of them more chances. That is the problem. We develop players but we can’t afford to give him chances and they go to Burnley’s Sunderlands etc.

    And remember guys. When Tevez was kept on the bench last season and didn’t produce goals when he was brought in many of us argued how can a player make an impact if he isn’t given enough chances. I think it was some kind of the mental confidense problem. And now lets project it on Berbatov and the way he handled it this season.

  180. gazmask says:

    @ CROoney

    to be fair mate his touch and control are first class along with some lay offs and flicks which are all great but besides those qualities his game just doesnt suit uniteds sytle of play im sure you’ll agree

  181. arijc says:

    @willierednut
    there is a difference between support and blind faith. there is a difference between putting up a valid argument and putting up garbage as defense of a player.

  182. aig alex is god says:

    @willie

    thanks mate

    ya. i know that but some comments on a previous thread like sell berbatov,carrick and buy silva,benzema,hamsik,etc,etc,etc really dont make sense now. We have 4 games left. lets win those and then think of the summer. We signed Hernandez because we felt we could have missed on him had he performed well at the WC.

  183. aig alex is god says:

    Dont want to pick sides on this one but North Stand tier 3, CROoney and AlphaRS make some valid points.

  184. Marq says:

    “Yeah, you and some others are stuck up Scotts ass, ye hang on his every word”

    Oh yea, we support our own player and this is how you describe us?

  185. ross says:

    Fair play to North Stand, Tier 3, Back Row. Makes a lot of sense in fairness to him

    Scott has been going on and on about stats the last 2 days on Berbatov. For some reason, he brings up Tever in almost everything he writes. Bringing Alan Smith into the equation today tells me all i need to know about his argument.

    We’ve all palyed a bit of ball over the years so we know just how valuable Tevez & Berbatov are without bringing meaningless stats into this. I know who i’d prefer to have playing for us the last could of weeks. Twat that Tevez is. He scored when it mattered for us, he scored when they needed him to at WHU and he’s doing the same thing at City. Spurs are a nothing team and their players are never under the same pressure as WHU were that relegation season or we have been ht elast 2 seasons. City have to get 4th this year and he seems to be contributing accordingly.

    When somone questions Scott’s constant defence of Berbatov, some good points and some weak ones, he gets very defensive and simply won’t appreciate that other people have formed their own opinions that don’t match up with his.

    I think Scott should accept that some united fans want their strikers to work their arses off. It is not about some fans adoring forwards that run around a lot but don’t score that many goals. It’s about giving your all when playing for the club. Tevez scored big goals for us and was a real threat when he played for united. He was very direct and very honest and that’s what most football fans want to see. They dream of playing for their club so when they pay their money to see their heros they want to see those players give their all.

    Dress it up any way you want but Berbatov doesn’t give his all. He hasn’t, and doesn’t score vital goals in the big games. The reason he is not played in the big games anymore is that he is now obviously not trusted by our manager to perform against our main rivals.

    Scott, it’s easy to throw up stats the way you do, but North Stand Tier 3 hits the nail on the head. Agree to disagree. You’re only winding people up by not accepting their points by coming back a second day on this issue in a different guise. Let it go. The fans have made their mind’s up. although i don’t agree with booing the player or name-calling, we pay to see our team play and have a right to express their opinion.

    You like Berbatov and want him to be equally liked by all the fans. He’s not, and people have given their reasons why. Just like you have.

    Now can we fu*king talk about something else and dream of a freak draw in tonight’s game in London…

  186. willierednut says:

    CROoney – You’ve always hated him, only joking mate. I’ll take your word for it that you never rated him, as i said i feel the same about way about Carrick, just feel Fletch is outshining him the way Keano started to outshine Ince.

  187. Corea says:

    AIG – hi mate. i wonder if you received my mail a couple of weeks ago.

    “Me and my mates live and breath United, so just cause I doubt the contributions Berbatov has made over the last two seasons doesnt mean Im some bandwagon jumping twat, and I certainly wont have my dedication questioned by some posters on here who are clearly following United the last few years only.”

    after eading this i seriously think of quiting the blog. i feel ashamed.

  188. aig alex is god says:

    Where is King Eric. BTW. not like him not to comment on any thread in a day.

  189. aig alex is god says:

    @Corea

    hi mate. How are you?

    I got your mail. Apologize for not replying immediately and then it slipped out of my mind.What you said did help me.i feel refreshed coming back

  190. keano says:

    Scott, you cannot compare him with Tevez or Smith cos Berbatov came at a huge price tag. and still please answer this.. are you HAPPY when you seen him in the line up?

  191. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Corea – what part of that (my) statement makes you feel ashamed? And why? Theres alot of comments going round saying that anyone against Berbatov, or anything else United related arent real fans. Well Im saying I dont think Berbatov has cut it, and Im a real fan. You can take it any way you want, I think it reads pretty clear. You dont have to agree with everything Scott and others on here say to be a ‘proper supporter’.

  192. CROoney says:

    gazmask

    i know mate, but it’s irrelevant coz that doesn’t win you matches…all that is overrated…so what if he can do an odd flick…denilson of brazil could do that too and where is he now…flopping in vietnam

    same goes for quaresma and i highly doubt that the likes of okocha and riquelme could have been successfull for us..those are players who can’t make it in the big stage

    willirednut, i don’t know who knows me on here from the beginning of the season but i think that ALEX IS GOD or eric the king can witness for me always being a doubter….when i say always,i mean from his united days…i didn’t know why saf thought that he was relevant to us, coz quite clearly he isn’t…we can do and could have done without him

  193. kosio says:

    It would be quite some work but it would be interesting to summarize the performances of the games Berbatov started this season.

    I tend to remember him being praised after almost every game he started and being MOM contender in most, that is until the last two performances that turned him into “flop of the season and worst forward season ever that cost us the title,the FA cup and the CL”.

  194. Giggsy's right foot says:

    Here we go again, stats don’t tell the whole strory. Darren Bent scores a lot, I wouldn’t want him anywhere near my team. Berbatov is a fantastically talented player who thinks he can bitch and moan at younger players when they inevitably aren’t on the same page as him, takes forever to get up when he falls down in a game we desperately need goals, shirks his responsibilities as the lone front man by dropping deeper and deeper as the game goes on (see the Balckburn game). Berbatov has been consistently dissapointing for us, with a glimpse of his genius in between. What we need is a striker who can be trusted to step in when Rooney is out and lead the line, Berbatov has had two chances to show he is the man for this recently and failed both tests. 29 year old professionals don’t take two seasons to gel with their new team. I was so excited when we signed him, but that excitement has been dropping ever since, and now I’ve hed it, he isn’t the right player for us, no one is denying his talent, but these desperate attempts at justifying his existence at United are really weird. If you want what is best for our team, you want him sold and a new striker bought. It actually pains me a little to say this, as I desperately wanted him to succeed, because when he is on form, he is a delight to watch and practically unplayable, but he is very rarely on form for us.

  195. aig alex is god says:

    CROoney is right that he said it before too. he was saying right from the start of the season that we should have kept tevez and that tevez is better than berbatov.

    not saying whether he is right or wrong but i have had discussions with him on that before.

  196. gazmask says:

    @ CROoney

    similar to now saf is still missing that link player to knit it all together for the team.
    he thought berbatov was that player along with myself and a lot of other united fans i know.

    obviously with hindsight he should have invested elsewhere but saf doesnt always get it right.

    creative midfielder is needed in the summer, someone like wesley snjieder of inter who can play killer passes from midfield and chip in important assists and goals

  197. CROoney says:

    can anyone provide me with some stats ?

    i want to see how many times berba scored a goal that actually had relevance on the outcome of the match ( if it got us any points )

  198. giggsfff says:

    kiko deserved his place….. dont let him go….

  199. gazmask says:

    all i can remember is the bolton goal last season to win 1-0 in injury time

  200. united84 says:

    ive always been a skeptic of Berba’s move to United no matter the price, i couldnt see him fitting in here and i havent been a huge fan of his whilst he has been here but i would never slag him off like some people are doing. I even saw a post somewhere comparing the hate for him to the Glazers? How f**king stupid are some people? 2 things i feel personally that have made him never win over the fans:

    1. was the price tag, like you mentioned soo so over priced it was uphill from there for him.

    2. like you also mentioned in this article he doesn’t run about like a nutter for 90 minutes, his body language makes him look lazy all the time which doesn’t help him at all.

    I think if he was on this same form but ran around like a nut case nobody would be on his back and we wouldnt be having these conversations now.

    Great stats Scott, just shows you don’t have to be a 90 minute nutter to play well at United

  201. CROoney says:

    oh here they are..pretty impressive innit

    first against stoke (finished 2-0 to United)
    Equaliser against Sunderland 1-1 (finished 2-2)
    First against Blackburn
    First against Burnley

  202. CROoney says:

    @gazmask – and that goal was set up by tevez

  203. united84 says:

    i meant to say: “to help United’s cause” instead of: “play well at United” * lol

  204. Costas says:

    @CROoney

    Out of his 26 goals for us, 11 have put us ahead or equalised for us. There was one instance where the goal didn’t matter much because we lost the game eventually. At Everton.

  205. willierednut says:

    CROoney – Good points about Quaresma and Riquelme, both were at Barca and couldn’t handle the pressure of playing for a big club.

  206. CROoney says:

    this season costas, this season

  207. CROoney says:

    don’t forget that my beloved argentina failed because they were relying too much on him…i saw it coming back then,,,he doesn’t know that football is played 90 minutes plus overtime rather than 70 minutes that he is capable of playing…

    i see in riquelme a perfect example of berba’s case…both silky players with wonderful touch and a poor mentality…quaresma also failed at inter and chelsea

  208. Costas says:

    @CROoney

    Be specific then! :P

    Just kidding. The ones you mentioned, plus the Everton game. If you can count that.

  209. AlphaRS says:

    @CROoney
    Berbatov is Class mate. Works brilliant in a 4-6-0 formation…!
    SELL Berbatov
    BUY Kenwyn Jones!

  210. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Anyone on here saying that you cant be a true supporter because we dont think Berbatov is the man and we dare say he hasnt delivered – can any of ye honestly say that ye have never sat in a pub with mates or wherever and said that a certain player simply isnt good enough to wear the United shirt? Never? Dont get me wrong, no matter who pulls on the shirt and plays for us, I’ll back them to the hilt if Im at the game – but that doesnt mean I cant form my own opinion (not from The Sun as some repeatedly imply) on a certain player and say to my mates (or on a United blog) that he isnt the right man for us. I sang my heart out at the back of the East Stand at 3-1 down, 4-1 down and at full time last year when the scousers did us, and the following week, sang til full time and clapped the lads off the park at Fulham when we thought there was a real chance we blew it – I aint an armchair fan, or part of the prawn sandwich brigade, or a bandwagon jumper, and I dont just sing when we’re winning. And in my opinion, Berbatov is not the man we need at the club with our current squad. Dont assume you know what type of fan I am (or others with the same sentiments on here) because I go against what some of ye think.

  211. kosio says:

    @CROoney
    I tend to remember that at least 3 or Tevez’s last season 5 PL goals were set up by Berbatov(Liverpool,Stoke,City)

    Actually I though these two worked quite well together, in another team they would have made quite a pair

  212. gazmask says:

    Veron also was a greatly talented player when he signed for us but only showed glimpses against everton and a few champions league games but wasnt cut out for united, again another hefty price tag

  213. Sanj says:

    Waiting for the glory hunters who never post when we win to stop commenting. Then I’ll start commenting again. Disgusted by you lot. For Berba’s own sake, I hope he goes somewhere where he is appreciated.

  214. Costas says:

    @kosio

    That’s a good point. Actually one of Berbatov’s best spells at United was early 2009 when he and Tevez played up front. Seemed to click better with him than with Rooney.

  215. giggs11gerrard0 says:

    @Scott the Red

    Well put together mate, i like how you use stats to put across a point.

    My gripe is though, just because I dont think Berba is the answer even though he so easily could be if things went his way doesnt mean I worship Tevez?

    You seem hung up on this, im glad Tevez plays for the bitters, Derby day is back to its former glory with the added spice and hatred.

    I was more than happy not to spend the ridiculos amount of money on Tevez as we had Roo and the very clasy Berba.

    The problem is though time is running out for Berba in SAF’s eyes! He will defend him all day long because he is the best man manager in the world but team selections dictate he is not seen as SAFs go to man.

    Berba’s problem is he a world class player lost in a team where we dont know how to play him. He played deep and SAF said that was incorrect. We play him is a lone striker then we fans say that is not his position as he is more creative and drops deep?

    What is it? I certanly dont know anymore.

  216. willierednut says:

    The difference was, Veron was brillant at Lazio and Parma, but just couldn’t handle the pace of the premiership. He was good for us in the champions league, when the pace of the game was slower.

  217. Costas says:

    @North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row

    We may not agree about Berbatov, but I support you against mentalities like that. No need to start turning in each other just because of one player.

    The problem in my opinion is that we have gone past the point where Berbatov will be allowed to prove the doubters wrong. As Scott said, Fergie is trying to fit him in, rather than work around him. Which he should do by the way, since he shouldn’t change the system for no one player. And even worse, we’ve reached the point where the Berba debate has carried itself to the stands. So there might only be one outcome in all this for everyone’s sake.

  218. zunaid ally says:

    I am a huge fan of Berbatov. He oozes class, and he is a United player in the true sense of the word. The single biggest reason why you English have been so unsuccessful at international level is because you prefer artisans to artists. United fans have always appreciated flair players over the years, even when success was the odd F.A cup. Now, we are so successful and yet we boo our own players- an absolute disgrace.
    1966 was a great year for England- Eric Cantona was born!

  219. CROoney says:

    berbatov is not world class…..

    in fact he couldn’t play in any top team of the top league…

    think what you want , but let us look at the things like this – take real madrid for example – they have players with better qualities thatnberbatov has to offer…i mean they have what he has to offer and they have it better…same goes for barcelona, but i assure you that tevez would offer something completely different to real or barca ( although barca does not need him ) …he would find his place at least on the bench for those teams but berba wouldn’t as he has nothing different to offer…

    tevez isn’t as flashy or as silky but he would be a valuable asset at real or barca…milan, inter,bayern – everywhere….

  220. Costas says:

    @giggs11gerrard0

    Sometimes I wonder mate, what does it mean exactly when Fergie supports a player in public? :D He backed Neville and Park before the Bayern game and then they weren’t even on the bench! He put his faith in Berbatov, but against Bayern he didn’t trust him until we were desperate for a goal.

  221. Sanj says:

    Berba told Citeh to f*ck off and signed with us. Berba has never ONCE complained about his playing time, his role, or Sir Alex. Tevez had one great year at United, then constantly whinged to the press about his lack of playing time and also made some disparaging comments about Sir Alex. The fans chant, “Fergie, sign him up!” over Sir Alex’s end of the season speech. Tevez then goes to our biggest rival for loads of money and ends up banging in a lot of goals for a shit side. I understand Tevez may be scoring more goals, but which player has the character of a United player? Is being a United player only about how you perform on the pitch? Should we replace Vidic with John Terry, too? Cause you know, Terry is a lion on the pitch. Who cares who he shags, right? Berbatov may not be delivering as many of us would like on the pitch, but he shows the character of a United player. To me, that is more than enough of a reason to support him- through thick and thin. Tevez’s absolute lack of class and dignity made me lose all respect for him as a person.

  222. AlphaRS says:

    @giggs11gerrard0
    I think he has to drop deep because the midfield aren’t very good.
    This has actually got to be one of the weakest midfield’s we have ever had under SAF.
    But if he is played as a loan stirker he needs to adapt his game like Rooney has. Remember Rooney taking corners and picking up the ball on the wings when he was a loan striker? He was told to stay central and upfront as a focal point and it worked. Don’t think Berbatov has the pace to play like that though.
    Needs a support striker. Like Macheda against Blackburn.

  223. Fred says:

    These stats have certainly changed my mind. It’s now obvious to me that Berbatov is much better than Tevez. Lucky we had the goal-machine Berbatov leading the line against Blackburn to help us secure that vital 1 point that could be the difference between us finishing 2nd and 3rd this season (fingers crossed!) Imagine where we’d be now if we were still relying on that shit cunt Tevez?

  224. RedDeviled Egg says:

    The fact that you need to keep pumping out stats for this guy shows his true value for the club. Definitely not worth what we paid for him.
    He has classy touches and can pick a decent pass on occasion but the guy is absolutely not worth what we paid for him.
    Twat or not, Tevez has brought the goods this year when played as a primary striker. Again, the fact that Scott still needs to use his stats, while neglecting his sparkling form of this year, goes to show how little an impact Berbatov has had on this club. Is he a game changer? no. Can he inspire the club to victories? no. Does he have the work ethic of a top striker? no.
    Rooney is everyones first choice striker, including Tevez’s over Messi, because he has the work ethic to go along with his skills. Rooney’s touch and vision on the ball, coupled with his instinct are 1000 times better than Berbatov. Rooney has all the skill in the world. If he had the work rate of Berbatov he wouldn’t be as successful as he is.

    These stats are just that; stats. They don’t truly reflect the player’s impact on the club or on the team’s results.
    If you want a stat here’s one. 28 that’s how many goals Tevez has scored this season. A mere 233% more than Berbatov.

  225. CROoney says:

    at Sanj

    “Berba has never ONCE complained about his playing time,”

    not true at all…he started moaning about the playing time after our crashing out against bayern

    what do i have for his love for the club or for his telling city to fuck off….nothing…in fact i would have been more happier had he accepted city’s offer,,,then he would have ruin them and tevez would have stayed and actually help us to win us something

  226. Fred says:

    @Sanj

    “I understand Tevez may be scoring more goals, but which player has the character of a United player?

    Berbatov may not be delivering as many of us would like on the pitch, but he shows the character of a United player.”

    Is this a joke?

  227. Paul Parker says:

    who knows what happened with Tevez behind the scenes at our Club?

    I dont profess to know, but what i DO know is that anytime he wore a United shirt he played with his heart. I also know that he DID score many vital goals for us during his short stay.

    Did he not? Am I lying?

    Then dont act like he didn’t, where is the class in that?

    Before he said anything disrespectful I remember the delay in signing him up, and I thought to myself WHY dont we sign him before he leaves? He’s scored so many vital goals, he’s proved his worth, the whole world has seen he is a goal threat, so whats the problem? I also remember thinking to myself Christ, Alec clearly doesnt like Tevez does he? Thats when I assumed Alec was waiting to buy an even BETTER striker then Tevez.

    Of course, since he’s left we are yet to see a better striker arrive….

    By the way, ROM has been comparing Tevez to Berbatov recently, not the people posting.

    Personally I think we treated him as less than a Star Striker, and Fuck what anybody thinks, Tevez is a Star Striker, thats why he keeps scoring against us. Would anybody really be surprised if he scores another consolation goal against us ? Course not. Why? Cos he’s a fucking good striker.

    Considering all the goals he scored for us and considering he PROVED his worth, I thought Tevez shouldve been snapped up before we spent all that money on an unproven Berbatov. Seriously, since Berbatov came into the League with Tottenham, and since Tevez came in with West Ham… up until today – regardless of who they play for – WHO is the better Striker? Theres only one answer.

    I love United but I wont lie to myself just because Tevez is no longer a United player.

    As for these Statistics today, please….

    WHO has scored more against our Big Four Rivals in their career?
    WHO has scored more match winning goals in their career?
    WHO has scored more in Cup Runs in their career?
    WHO has scored more in Europe in their career?

    We all know the answer, and it aint Berbatov, but its not even fair of ROM to compare him to Tevez, because Tevez is clearly the better player, and he’s 4 years younger.

    But like I said, im not comparing Tevez to Berbatov, ROM are, and since they are, allow me to state here that I Personally dont hold anything against Tevez since he left.

    PAYING 31 MILLION FOR BERBATOV BEFORE SIGNING UP TEVEZ WAS A SLAP IN THE FACE TO A PLAYER WHO HAD PLAYED HIS HEART OUT FOR US FOR TWO SEASONS HELPING US WIN AND DEFEND TROPHIES.

    WE SHOULD HAVE SIGNED HIM UP END OF STORY.

  228. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Costas, football fans can be won back. I for one hope he still proves me wrong and turns into the player I thought we were going to get (maybe thats my problem, I expected something different than what he is?) and starts banging them in. If Berbatov nets the winner at the weekend, I’ll jump as high as if it were Rooney or Cantona, once its a red jersey Im happy. All I have said is that I felt he hasnt delivered over the last two seasons, if he turns his form around I’ll be the first to acknowledge that. I sing any Berbatov song at games, before and after, and theres honestly no player at the club I hate, or even dont like, I just like some more than others – but who doesnt?
    If we win the last few games, Berb gets a few (or creates a few) and Chelsea stumble and we win 4 in a row, we’ll all be behind him.

  229. CROoney says:

    Fred

    class mate !!!

  230. CROoney says:

    not only that Fred, but the stats say that he was great against Arsenal twice, Chelsea twice, Milan twice, Liverpool twice, Bayern twice etc…he’s been pure class

    oh no wait, he’s handycaped when it comes to playing against those

  231. giggs11gerrard0 says:

    @AlphaRS

    I would totally agree with that sentiment mate but we do have enough options and energy for the midfield to do thier job! Rooney doesnt have to come deep and always ensures he is the box to score or be in a position to score.

    Berba doesnt know where he fits in, he drops deep briliantly and brings others in but then does not get back in the box or ahead of the midfield?

    SAF has openly said he is not here for that and when he first came we played him in the wrong position.

  232. finfab says:

    You can prove anything with statistics 80% of people know that!!!

  233. Tarmy says:

    Berbatov makes key contributions every time he plays, the stats that matter are in the Actim Index, he is a very effective player, Goals and Assists are not everything,

    http://www.premierleague.com/page/Top10Strikers/0,,12306,00.html

    Fernando Torres is not even the the top 10 for this, he contributes goals and nothing else,

  234. afromanc says:

    Chelsea will draw against bolton, I am a voodoo SPECIALIST!

  235. Paul Parker says:

    LOL @ CHARACTER

    nobody questioned his character when he was scoring and providing all those vital goals….

    INFACT TEVEZ QUESTIONED THE CHARACTER OF OUR CLUB WHEN WE GAVE A CONTRACT TO BERBATOV BEFORE HE HIMSELF WAS SIGNED.

    nobody is perfect, not you, not me, not Alec, and not United.

    We should have signed him up. End of.

  236. willierednut says:

    Fook Tevez, we’ve got Chico the kid!

  237. CROoney says:

    Tarmy

    excactly—i’d rather have berbatov than torres coz torres offers only those pesky goals

  238. willierednut says:

    Paul Parker – And i should have shagged Pamela Anderson, but i didn’t, still bugs me to this day.

  239. AlphaRS says:

    @giggs11gerrard0
    I know mate. I think Berbatov picks up the ball in the centre circle and plays Valencia in on the wing against Blackburn. He was level with the central midfielders. But we were playing with Macheda upfront.
    I don’t know. He just doesn’t fit in to United and these endless stats about him are getting a bit silly now.
    I’m not a fan of Berbatov. Just a shame that things aren’t working out for him.
    I think putting Macheda on against Bayern instead of Berba would have been a good idea.

  240. Costas says:

    @North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row

    I understand what you mean. That’s why I said it was unfair that you would get critisized for that. If something annoys me is fans who are taking delight in Berbatov not delivering what they think he should.

    Sometimes I wonder if anyone knows what they should have expected from him. His transfer fee tells one story, but it’s not as simple as that. If he cost 15-20 million, then maybe fans would have cut him more slack.

    I hope we win our final 4 games, no matter if Berba scores in all 4 or if he doesn’t make the bench for any of them. At leats lets take Chelsea to the wire.

  241. MG says:

    I still see we are all carrying this – I think we have all gone full circle and exhausted ourselves with the Berbatov issue

    Just one thing for me is clear

    If he goes it’s because the manager says so

    If Tevez went – it’s because he was petulant and arrogant and he trusted the advice of his agent over SAF – we can all assume whatever we want but in the cold light of day that’s what happened between Tevez and our club – ultimately he betrayed himself aptly helped by his agent – I mean he could have gone to anywhere if he wanted to step up – unfortunately the pay check at City was much bigger and more important

    But I will say this it would be very very very strange and seriously out of character if SAF went out to buy Benzema again – the manager takes things very personally as history shows and if a player says no to him then he doesn’t look back (Ronaldinho in question) – it seems that’s why he has signed someone like Chicharito. I also would not want a Madrid reject – I’m sorry our club in itself is as powerful if not more than Madrid – so all this Madrid nonsense just bewilders me – cue then most of us knowing what would happen to Ronaldo once he got there. Madrid is a circus and Benzema is a perfect example of why players are wrong to go to Madrid and think that they will be elevated into super stardom – same ways a superstar like Ronaldo can go and think that he has the ego to run the show like he did at United – difference being that at United his team carried him – at Madrid he is just one of many other ego’s who don’t understand that kind of football.

    I also do believe that if Berba is sold then SAF will look at another striker – an experienced one to boot. No names suggested – don’t want to play that game

    I know we all like to do our Football manager bit – but at the end for most of us anyway our manager has the final say and truthfully I will leave those decisions where they belong.

    I wish our little bit of luck would just come back to us – we have worked hard to get to this point and it’s sad that our season has come to this – but we carry on

    Bashing any of our players isn’t going to help – things could still change and we will have to act the 12th man to get them over the line if a chance is presented to us.

    Come on reds – we are all better than this

  242. Fze123 says:

    It’s the attitude of the fans that will lead to the possible sale of Berbatov, not what he did on the pitch, or what he was supposed to do on the pitch.

  243. Scott the Red says:

    I find it bizarre that we have fans who are so passionately against one of our own players they would spend an entire day on the internet slagging him off and taking the piss out of him.

    I despair!

    It’s not even about Berbatov any more. Any one is entitled to an opinion on any of our players. But to be so obsessed with slagging off one of our own players, and that what is has become for so many of you, an obsession, is a real worry and actually pretty saddening.

    To see people say they hold nothing against Tevez, despite the fact he lied about our manager, slagged off our captain, wanting to rub our noses in the fact he thought he was knocking us out of the League Cup (d’oh, celebrated a bit too soon there), has shown how far the anti-Berbatov obsession has got. Tevez is a total cunt who CHOSE to play for City instead of United, yet there are people who hold nothing against him. But Berbatov, one of our own players, the 10th highest scorer in the league, is shown with utter disrespect?! It’s absolute madness.

    Still, nobody has explained why Smith was loved and Berbatov is hated. Nobody has explained why it is more important for a striker to put a tackle in (like Smith) than it is to score goals (something Berbatov has done better than all but 9 players in the league this season).

    I’ll leave you to it though and we can all hope he finds a new club this summer and that Ferguson replaces him with a work horse, then we can all be happy… including Berb!

  244. AlphaRS says:

    @Paul Parker
    We could not be more on the same wavelength than this.

  245. denton davey says:

    CROoney @ 15:39: ” take real madrid for example”

    What was it that Jack Benny said ? “Please !” Take RM and shove it. It was terrific to see them get schooled by Barca on Saturday – it made the weekend because my Sunday morning was ruined when I saw that SAF had selected O’Shea/Neville/GIggs/Scholes/Berbatov against Blackburn after a quite different collection had been so electric in the first half against Bayern. I understand that WayneRooney wasn’t fit to play Blackburn and that Rafael was being made to sit in the corner, wearing the dunce’s cap but why were Patrice Evra and Darroninho Gibinho and Darren Fletcherinho and even Michael Carrick left out when they had done so splendidly a few days earlier – and the excuse about “rotation” or “tiredness” just doesn’t cut it because after Sunday there were going to be six days until the derby. This was just awful team selection – and SAF was well-and-truly found out by BigSam.

  246. CROoney says:

    there’s something that one fan told me the other day(before the blackburn match ) that sums up everything perfectly…

    he said : “even if berbatov goes on to score against everyone apart from city it still wouldn’t be enough for some people”…and he said it was HYPOTHETICAL….

    that’s where the problem lies…with him, it’s hypothetical or highly unlikely…with rooney or even tevez, it’s possible that they would score in 4 of the last 5 games of the season

    you just know that he doesn’t have the class nor consistancy to score in the last 4 or 5 games of teh run in…that tells the whole story..with him it’s hypothetical..he’s a good player, but not good enough

  247. Fred says:

    “What does that tell us about the standards of some United fans? Running around and looking to be working hard is a more admirable quality in a striker than scoring and creating goals. Great.”

    Yes, Because all Tevez ever did was run around and “look like” he was working hard. :-D

  248. utdforever says:

    @ giggs11gerrard0: HaHa.. that’s the fucking enigma mate. Maybe we should buy Defoe this summer and play a front 3 of Rooney, Berbs, and Defoe? LOL

    God I’d love for Berbs to get a hatrick against the bitters.. I think the real issue as a few people have already touched upon is our midfield. Once that ‘puzzle’ is sorted everything will fall into place, I’m sure of it.

  249. Fabio says:

    Is Berbatov still carrying the knee injury??, I know fergie said he needed a op but didn’t go in the end???…

  250. giggs11gerrard0 says:

    @AlphaRS

    Exactley mate, the debate is ridiculous now because fans take the moral high ground and cast aspurtions as to the level of support other fans have just because they dont think Berba fits in the team.

    I go home and away and never boo a player but I also watch attitudes on the pitch and Berba is hurrendous and that is why I can no longer continue saying he is world class, dont worry he will come good.

    He hasnt, and he does not have the United character people are banging on about. He makes Ronaldo look like Darren Flecther in comparison. His attitude on the pitch is a disgrace.

  251. gazmask says:

    wesley sneijder anyone??

  252. CROoney says:

    denton davey – i enjoyed in barca trashing real even more so..because messi brought me 200 euros…anyway, that’s not my point – i hate both teams…one are racists and others are arrogant pricks who act like paris hilton when beign dumped…goes shopping

    at scott – this is not about bashing on one of our players, at leats not with me…i just want to point out that no one had to right to be arrogant or to insult me when i said that tevez was better for us and that we will see you at the end of the season…i said that on one of your articles in teh beginnig of the season…told you all so

    how do you explain the fact that most of his goals came after we had already taken the lead

  253. Fze123 says:

    MG is spot on about Benzema. I am puzzled at our fans’ desire to have him at Utd. He rejected us, ffs. He obviously knew he won’t play as much as he would like to at Real so that can’t be an excuse. He only went because he couldn’t believe they wanted him, and jumped at the chance to be part of a star-studded team which guaranteed heaps of trophies. As for his ‘Dream’, that’s just bollocks. Before Real came in he reiterated his desire to play in England many times. And for those who are saying ‘we would have the most lethal strike force in the world with Rooney and Benzema’… Well, 1. How the fuck do you know he will play well with Wayne and 2. What if he struggles in this League?

  254. kennylad says:

    stats mean nothing if he’s doing it against Burnly at home etc… and not in the big games when we need a vital goal like at Blackburn last week.

    I’m a United fan i dont like Tevez but i’d have him over berbatov. Berbatov is not a big game and consistant player.

    Tevez is the better premiership player, we should have signed him up the season we signed Berba. People also under-estimate what a busy player like him can do to another team and thus creating space for others and keeping the pressure on. Keeping teams under pressure helps create late goals.

    Fergie clearly doesn’t have enough faith in Berba to play him against bayern at home and would rather play a crocked Rooney and risk further injury. WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT WHAT HE THINKS??????

    This is the last time i visit a Berbatov article. I’m sick of stats, they never tell the full story.

  255. CROoney says:

    sorry for horrible typos , spelling and all…

  256. Scott the Red says:

    Fred – He scored 5 goals in 1856 minutes (over 30 hours) last season. That suggests he did a lot more running around than he did scoring goals, which in case you forgot, is the job of a striker.

    Berbatov has played less football this season than Tevez did last, but has scored 7 more goals, and assisted double as many goals. But he hasn’t run around as much.

    I mean, why would we want our striker to score and assist more goals??

  257. willierednut says:

    It’s a vicious circle, we all should agree to disagree on Berba and i hope our team thrash the blue half on Saturday.

  258. CROoney says:

    anyway scott – do you really think that those 2 percent in berba’s first season compared to tevez best season for us is really enough for you to say that berba actually scores goals unlike tevez…

    you make it sound as if we’re debating about ruud and david bellion ffs…berba has maybe done 2 percent better in contributing to the goals but tevez contributed to more succes and his goals were more important…and when you put the CL into perspective you’ll have a pretty clear picture of who’s better

  259. willierednut says:

    Fze123 – Shearer turned us down, but it didn’t stop saf trying to sign him again.

  260. Fabio says:

    This was what I was on about if nobody seen the post:
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/10/dimitar-berbatov-operation-manchester-united
    It was some time ago now so possibly had it done..

  261. utdforever says:

    Scott the Red. I commend you mate. To answer your question about why Smithy was probably higher regarded than Berbatov by our fans was simply that he put himself about. He never shirked a challenge like Berbs has done and I think some of the supporters on here want Berbatov to show that sort of passion and desire to win the ball back and try and do something when things aren’t going our way. That’s what that little cunt Tevez did for us also. With Berbs, as much as I rate and respect him, he doesn’t ‘seem’ to give the effort and energy as the likes of Smithy and Scarface. But as we all know, that’s not his game. He’s a touch and finesse man who has great creativity but at the same time he’s a Manchester United ‘striker’ and is expected to score a goal at least every other game.. it’s a tough one. But I think that’s the reasoning behind some fans having a go at him. Like I said before, our problem isn’t up front it’s our midfield that needs to be addressed and quickly. Once that’s sorted I’m sure we’ll see a different player in Berbatov. The question is will he be allowed to stay another year? I hope he does and in my opinion, rightfully so.

  262. CROoney says:

    again scott – when debating, use their best seasons !

    i use porn when i want to squeeze the pyton and i bet you use the stats

  263. Ashish says:

    I can’t believe you are comparing Berba’s stats in his Spurs days to his present form here at United.It’s pretty obvious that he has underachieved here….you don’t need to even look at the stats for that one.

  264. Ashish says:

    The reason fans worshipped Tevez and not Berba is because Tevez performed better than Berba.Simple as that.

  265. Scott the Red says:

    CROoney – Tevez had more time on the field last season than Berbatov has had this season, yet he scored less than half the goals Berbatov has and assisted half the goals Berbatov has.

    I’m not comparing Ruud to Bellion, I’m comparing Tevez with Berbatov. Tevez scored 5 goals in more time than Berbatov has scored 12 goals. So there is a big gulf there, but no, not as big as the gulf between Ruud and Bellion :)

    But no, not really a porn man. When I went to get off, I tend to do it in real life with a woman, not by myself behind a computer screen. Each to their own and that.

    Ashish – Scoring 5 goals is better than scoring 12 goals? How so?

    Utdforever – Is putting yourself about a bit more important than scoring goals? Smith scored 6 and “put himself about” whilst Berbatov has scored 12 and hasn’t “put himself about”. Which is more important do you think from a striker? Goal scoring or “putting himself about”?

  266. willierednut says:

    CROoney – lol, i hear that.

  267. rooney the new king says:

    Scott the Red – My criticism of berbatov is he lacks the drive to get the ball twist turn and run at defenders because he is a deepline striker he needs to be box to box or he becomes ineffective in the critical area’s of the field, he has great skill and amazing technical ability but sometimes there is not much end product in terms of stinging where it counts for all strikers which is in the final third. Berbatov goes into area’s where he is not going to be a potent force and he does not have the energy or the ability to bust a gut to get into the box and trouble defenders which makes life easier for defenders, yes he can create but he has to start threatening like his days at spurs maybe Fergie has been using him wrong.

    But I will defend berbatov on here now because I am surprised you and many others are not picking up on this, 2008 united played with 2 strikers but has the season had progressed it became 433 and berbatov is a tactical nightmare. Now berbatov is a striker that has to start games when he is benched he is not much of an asset because he cant really change the tempo or make enough of an impact off the bench, Berbatov has been unlucky turn of events have now gone against him that Fergie has gone with a formation which is totally different from his spurs days, it does not help the boss berbatov is a tactical nightmare but it as not helped berbatov the midfield is to weak to play a 2 man midfield. It is a nightmare for both berbatov and the boss that uniteds midfield is to weak to play a 2 man midfield and berbatov is a 442/424 striker and he cannot fit into a 433 so it is a rock and a hard place.

  268. Paul Parker says:

    Scott come on mate, its not like people are hijacking a thread about HERNANDEZ or anything.

    SINCE WE SIGNED HERNANDEZ YOU’VE POSTED MORE ABOUT TEVEZ THEN HIM

    So its not like people are randomly slagging off Berbatov, we are just responding to YOU comparing Tevez and Berbatov, like your post today.

    I take that back.

    I AM responding to you, I dont speak for anybody else here, I haven’t slagged off Berbatov once but I know others have. But thats their choice and their right. Eitherway im not slagging him off, but Scott if you compare Tevez and Berbatov and attempt to say that Berbatov is somehow a better player of course people will have their opinion.

    So to answer the comparison you’ve made, Seriously, even Berbatov would probably tell you Tevez is a better player and has had a better season AND did more for United then Berbatov has thus far.

    Dimmi seems like a nice fella, so im sure he would admit all that.
    You should interview him next and ask. that will surely settle the debate once and for all.

    But if you dont want to see the debate on your site Scott, stop bloody comparing them mate!

    On that note I want to offer different statistics, more important ones, and then I’ll ignore the intention of this thread which is for the readers to compare Berbatov to other players.

    I think its a good debate to be honest, I dont see the problem, thats what Blogs are for, Christ if we were all on here overlooking Berbatovs CLEAR failure to be successful at United thus far this would be a bollocks site would it not?

  269. AlphaRS says:

    @giggs11gerrard0
    I agree mate. Just can’t be asked with all these slanderous accusations that you aren’t a real fan if you don’t think Berbatov fits in to the United system or that you know nothing about football if you don’t think Berbatov is class. I have a season ticket and that is more than I can say than some. Not that it makes me any more of a fan. It just get’s stupid and out of hand. Simply saying Berbatov is “class” or “shite” isn’t good enough. But if you are backing up your opinions with soundly thought out arguements I don’t see what the problem is. This is a blog after all.
    I disagree with booing any player in a United shirt but his attitude at the Blackburn game was extremely poor. Berating younger players and slapping his hands when people weren’t in the right positions. Atleast Tevez had the right attitude on the pitch even if he had the wrong attitude off it. It must have really annoyed him seeing SAF signing Berbatov for £31 million and keeping him waiting for his contract.
    I don’t know. I’m fed up of all this now. All this bad attitude just isn’t the United way is it?

  270. Sayyid says:

    STR

    I rate Berba and think his lack of impact is because of our weak midfield

    However if SAF doesn’t play him against City, then why keep him next year. It was obvious he was so desperate to succeed on Saturday and we wouldnt be talking about him leaving today had Valencia scored a simple goal, assisted by berbatov

  271. Fze123 says:

    @ willierednut, well Shearer was a proven player, for club and country, and was playing at the highest level at the time. How do we know Benzema will be a success here? He is not worth forking out 35 million to bring him here, it’s too much of a risk. He only played in Ligue 1, and rarely plays for Real or France even.

  272. rooney the new king says:

    bu I will say time and time again unless a top class midfielder is signed and a formation chance to 442/424 we will never ever see the best of berbatov it is has simple has that our inability to play a 2 man midfield is the reason why we dont see the best of berbatov

  273. Ashish says:

    In my humble opinion,there’s only 1 statistic that needs to be looked at:
    This season:
    Dimitar Berbatov:39 games 12 goals
    Carlos Tevez:37 games 28 goals

  274. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    Berbatov had every right to berate his temamates when they can’t play a simple ball to feet. I’m sorry midfielders are supoosed to be excellent passers of the ball. Sometimes the ball needs to be played into space but not every time.

  275. Scott the Red says:

    Paul Parker – So Tevez scored 5 goals in more time than Berbatov scored 12, and that makes him a better player for United? Sorry. I would rather a player who scores 12 goals in the league than 5. I would rather a player who assists 6 goals not 3. That is my opinion.

    Tevez was sidelined on the bench for a lot of last season, Berbatov has been sidelined for a lot of this season. That’s down to Ferguson. When Tevez wasn’t the main man at United, he bitched and moaned and scored 5 goals. When Berbatov isn’t the main man at United, he kept quiet and scored 12 goals.

    You look to Tevez of 07-08 all you like but clearly the boss doesn’t fancy our midfield enough to play 442 any more. Even when we had sodding Ronaldo in the team the boss wanted to pad out the midfield with more players to compensate for the fact they weren’t quite good enough, not quite world class. So after Rooney, our second striker has to be a player who can do a job as a bit role player. Tevez scored 5 goals in this role, Berbatov scored 12.

  276. willierednut says:

    Fze123 – First mate, he wouldn’t cost 35 million now and saf must think kids got potential, because he was willing to pay 25 million for him in the summer.

  277. Ashish says:

    Paul Parker says:”Christ if we were all on here overlooking Berbatovs CLEAR failure to be successful at United thus far this would be a bollocks site would it not?”

    Lolzzz :-p

  278. kel says:

    Scott, i think you are obessed with Berbatov. I have answer your question to the tevez and Berbatov. But i’m sure you have not seen it.

    The one reason and the most important ones is Tevez and Smith bring confidence and hope with our never say die spirit whereas Berbatov brings petulance and moaning with frustration and this demoralize the whole team. This is the most important reason why other fans loves tevez and Smith.

    Consider your reaction to Ronaldo last season for his petulance of being sub. I find it really weird that you support him after he berated at many of our team mates against Blackburn. What happen to you? Are you Berbatov?

  279. rooney the new king says:

    willierednut – why are everyone linking united with a striker when they have signed the mexican forward all united need is a midfield general and the whole thing will come together its been the 433 formation why we dont see the best of berbatov I wonder how we would cope with an alonzo type midfielder alongside fletcher with valencia nani and rooney supporting berbatov we would see a far more veriaty of goals and berbatov would score double the rate we are seeing

  280. Sanj says:

    @Fred

    Um, no.. that was not a joke. Especially coming from the guy who can’t say one thing without being sarcastic. F*ck off.

  281. Fze123 says:

    Shall we all just pretend we don’t have a striker that is called Berbatov? Seriously, I agree with those who said he should leave the clun for his own sake. Even if he does a Fletcher/Nani there will be still criticism. He will always be a failure, a flop, as long as he stays at this club. After the 4-0 win against Bolton some fans were still not happy with his contribution, saying he misses too many chances before finally scoring.

  282. Fabio says:

    I agree 4-4-2 would be better for berbatov as he doesn’t have rooney’s energy ..

  283. Sanj says:

    @Ashish

    What about this stat?

    2. Manchester United
    4. Manchester City

    I’d say the team’s overall performance is far more important than individual stats, no?

  284. Callum 98. many tackles and niggly incidents go unpunished apart from ours. We had a lot of acting out there mate, not on our side i would quickly add. At the start of the Second half like most lads I was as high as a kite apart from the Goal for the dise says:

    It’s as unreasonable to expect Berbatov to ‘step up’ as it is for Giggs or Scholes to replace Rooney. Berbatov isn’t and has never been a goalscorer, he’s a playmaker. As Scott said, great player, but if we’re not going to accomodate him into the team, then it’s pointless keeping hold of him. I wish him well if he does leave.

    And kel, Berbatov has never moaned once about being benched. Tevez did all the time. Tevez has had a good season this season but who the fuck thought he would score this many goals? For us, he was shit in front of goal, end of.

  285. Sayyid says:

    We have nothing to lose against City

    Why dont we just go for it and play 4-4-2 with our wide men on form

    Hopefully Rooney will be back…damn I wish Owen was fit…he and Berba play beuatifully together..the perfect partnership

    Curse the FA and their disgusting Wembley pitch

  286. willierednut says:

    RTNK – Yeah, we need a top midfielder, but who do you go for because there ain’t that many about.

  287. Scott the Red says:

    Kel – So a “never say die attitude” is more important quality in a striker than scoring goals? That’s what I’m trying to get at. Whether we call it “trying hard” or “putting themselves about” or a “never say die attitude”, whatever it is that Smith and Tevez had, that is a more important quality in a striker than scoring and assisting goals?

    Alan Smith was the 44th highest scorer in the league and he was loved. Tevez was the 53rd highest scorer in the league and he was loved. Berbatov is the 10th highest scorer in the league and he is booed. As a striker, I’d say scoring and assisting goals is more important than a “never say die” attitude.

  288. rooney the new king says:

    Fabio – like I said 433 is the reason why berbatov has struggled but a formation change to see the best of berbatov, would anyone play 433 with the 99 squad no because they were built to play 442

  289. Paul Parker says:

    Okay, until this issue rears its ugly head again :) I wanna make one last point today.

    HERE ARE SOME STATS OF MY OWN

    Berbatov v Tevez is a divisive but im sure we can all agree that Manchester City are a shite club with consecutive shite managers, correct?

    Well,hate him or love him, and despite having to play in front of a shite midfield, and under a shite manager, Carlos Tevez has managed to do the following with “shity city” this season:

    SCORE ONCE AGAINST ARSENAL

    (mind you, he’s only played them once knocking them out the cup)

    THREE TIMES AGAINST CHELSEA HOME AND AWAY

    (the winner at home and 2 in the big victory at the Bridge aka a double)

    AND THREE TIMES AGAINST UNITED

    (not bad – a goal per game against us this season, so far…)

    NO GOALS AGAINST LIVERPOOL

    (and thats only because he hasnt played them this season)

    So, against the Big Four, you could statistically argue that Tevez has done MORE for United this season then Berbatov has against the Big Four. Fuck the other statistics.

    Am I lying?

    How many points has Berbatov made the Big Four drop? ZERO.

    Tevez has taken 6 Points off Chelsea this season, THATS 6 MORE THEN WE’VE MANAGED, and he scored the opener to knock Arsenal out of the Cup. He nearly knocked UNITED out of the cup if not for the brilliance of Rooney. Finally, his goals more then any other at City will see them in Europe alongside us next year. Remember when Man City in Europe was a joke? Whose laughing now? Im fucking not. I knew he would be Amazing at City, he was Great for us.

    As for Berbatov?

    Stop comparing him to Tevez its not fair and its divisive.

    Tevez is clearly the better player, and he’s 3 years younger,
    in fact when he’s hitting his peak Berbatov will be retiring.

    So instead of insulting him and bringing him up on ROM you should be hoping he doesnt continue his unparalleled scoring record against us. Considering the teams we’ve faced this season, correct me if im wrong but I think he has scored more goals against us then any other. Am I wrong ?

    NORMALLY WE SIGN PLAYERS WHO DO THAT OOPS TOO LATE !!!!!

    As far as im concerned Tevez continues to show his worth, he nearly brought his new club their first cup for decades before Rooney kicked them out, and now he is their top scorer taking them into Europe. He said himself he wanted to make them a big club, and now that they can offer Champions League football WHO KNOWS who they’ll sign this summer….

    But as a MANCHESTER UNITED SUPPORTER through and through, im not worried about what they do over there. Fuck Them. Im not even sure why defending Berbatov requires Tevez to be mentioned on ROM at all to be honest. Fuck City. I have faith that Alec will get us back on course next season.

    We will March On – so stop mentioning Tevez because it makes us sound bitter.

    IMO United this season are a worse team without him and we’re still waiting to sign a better player to replace him. Berbatov is not a better player. Hopefully this Mexican Kid or one of our Youngsters will give Tevez a run for his money next season and finally lay his ghost to rest. If Berbatov was really world class for us Tevez wouldnt even be mentioned on ROM would he? Think about it, would Berbatov be City’s top goal scorer taking them into Europe if he signed with them before this season? Of course not. City probably wouldnt be 4th if Berbatov went there and we wouldnt be 2nd if Tevez stayed. Just y opinion since ROM has raised the topic. If you dont wanna hear/read it then Stop comparing these two Strikers.

    End Of.

  290. kel says:

    Scott, So scoring goals and not bring belief to the team is important. Then i feel Berbatov does not fit in this because he scores 12 goals?

  291. rooney the new king says:

    willierednut – if we cant get a class act in the mould of a alonzo or fabrigas I would sign a midfield destryer say lessana diarra play to destroyers like diarra and fletcher and allow valencia nani rooney berbatov do the damage

  292. rooney the new king says:

    that means fletcher and diarra have the energy of 3 midfielders that solves that problem and you have the quality of the front 4 so you get more veriaty and you see the best of berbatov with valencia nani creating while rooney has more help also.

  293. Scott the Red says:

    Paul Parker – What Tevez has done for City this season doesn’t explain why Tevez was loved by United fans despite being the 53rd highest scorer in the league and why Berbatov is hated despite being the 10th highest scorer in the league.

    Where in this article does it say “who is the better player, Tevez or Berbatov?”. It doesn’t. It merely looks at what the two players contributed to the team and the contrasting receptions they’ve had from the fans.

    Tevez scored 5 goals and our fans disrespected the manager for him. Berbatov has 12 goals and our fans boo him.

    Talk about Tevez at City as much as you like but that doesn’t address the issues being raised in this article. Shame you take all that time to make your “last point” one that doesn’t even respond to what was being discussed in the post though.

  294. kel says:

    Berbatov did moan, berated at his team mate when he is on the pitch, not being sub.
    I feel this is much worst than doing off pitch as it influence the team on play.

  295. sprite says:

    for those of you who says berba doesnt fight to win the ball back.. for one he rarely looses the ball.. each time he has the ball he has very good control.. secondly I have often seen berba track back and won balls when berba or someone else has lost them.. someone here is only interested in berba to be as bad as possible, because they believe he is the reason Tevez, I hate to write the name of that ugly fucker, signed for city..

  296. utdforever says:

    @ Kel 16:36

    “Are you Berbatov?” LMFAO God that’s funny..

    @ Scott The Red

    Mate, I’m not saying I would rather have a smithy type player who put himself about as our striker. It was his lack of goals and his physical attributes that made SAF put him in as our midfield enforcer. I was trying to answer your question as to why some of our supporters loved smithy/tevez and not Berbs. Workrate, belief, confidence.. these are attributes of players like smithy/argy cunt and these are attributes that berbs, in the eyes of some supporters, lacks significantly. Kel hit it on the head with his post @ 16:36.

    I for one think berbs has a future at Utd as I mentioned earlier.. we need to sort our midfield to get results from him though and until that happens we’re buggered.

  297. Fabio says:

    @rooney the new king:correct mate, agreed, I hate playing preservative 4-5-1 or 4-4-3, it just doesn’t have the balance for us..

  298. Sayyid says:

    @rooney the new king

    Apparantely we have a CM destroyer by the name of Hargreaves. I thought he was to play in the run in. He must be on the bench against CITY

    I would buy Rodwell, Milner and Silva in the summer and get rid of Carrick, O’Shea and loan out Welbeck, Fabio, Diouf and maybe Obertan

  299. Chrispiano says:

    Our fans suck, if Chelsea win the title half of them can fuck off and support them like the glory hunters there are. Half the solutions I ever see by ‘united fans’ are ‘sell A, B and C because they are the obvious reasons we have failed to win the title even though we have a team of 11 men and the man who gets all the blame is the one who hasn’t played in half our defeats. Nice logic.’

    To all those that think buying David Villa, David Silva etc etc etc will solve all our problems, there’s a reason you aren’t manager of the team and you’d do much better to get behind all our players and cheer them in our games. The fact that some of our ‘fans’ boo’d Berbatov says it all, fuck off.

  300. Che Guevarist says:

    Let’s be honest. If United had qualified for the semi finals and were still one point above Chelsea we would never even be having such a discussion.

    Why is everyone overlooking the fact that the real problem on Sunday was lying in the midfield?

    The irony is, the only good opportunity was created by the foot of Berbatov. Would we be even be arguing if Valencia had scored? I highly doubt it.

  301. rooney the new king says:

    Sayyid – I am looking at someone who can play nearly every game not 2 games every 12. It is like saying we could have had faith in saha it is suicidel

  302. willierednut says:

    Sayyid – How much money do you think we have?

  303. Fred says:

    Credit to inmoscowwemadeit3, whose post yesterday this is based on.

    Here are Tevez’s most significant performances for us.

    07/08
    Liverpool away 1-0, Tevez scores winner
    Chelsea home 2-0, Tevez gave us the lead
    Spurs away 1-1, Tevez last gasp equaliser
    Lyon away 1-1, Tevez last gasp equaliser
    Roma home 1-0, 07/08 Tevez winner
    Blackburn away 1-1, Tevez last gasp equaliser
    Barcelona home 1-0, in Rooney’s absence Tevez leads from the front in an epic United performance
    European Cup Final won 6-5 on penalties, Tevez scores penalty

    08/09
    Stoke away 1-0, last gasp winner
    Porto home 2-2, comes off bench to change game, scoring equaliser
    Spurs home 5-2, comes off bench with United 0-2 down, turns game around*
    Wigan away 2-1, comes off bench to change game, scoring equaliser

    *”We needed a lift. Carlos Tevez provided it. He got the crowd up and started to find space. He was a big reason why we got the result.” – Wayne Rooney

    Oh, and he ran around a lot too.

    What are your favourite Berba moments? Mine are the winner at Bolton and the skill against West Ham. What a player.

  304. Che Guevarist says:

    Fred

    How about Berba’s overhead kick against Sunderland during the 2-2 draw when he was the only good player on the pitch?

  305. Chrispiano says:

    We can’t play Scholes and Giggs as our 2 man midfield in a 4-4-2 either. The fact is when Berbatov comes deep, as Rooney does frequently (GOD FORBID?!?!?) the midfielders SHOULD be looking to overlap, however (bless their cotton socks) they don’t have the legs for it anymore and we would exposed should we lose possession.

  306. Sayyid says:

    @Che Guevarist

    Absolutely spot on

    Lol why don’t we pay £50m for fabregas. I am sure cheapskate Wenger would accept!

  307. Colbert says:

    @ Tarmy

    Yeah, wouldn’t want to score too many goals now would we? Torres is shit!!

  308. Fabio says:

    @Chrispiano: In all the years I’ve never and will never boo OUR PLAYER, we all know who are the real supporters are and the ones who get soooooo wound up about this and that havent been following us long, we do it the united way and it’s NEVER straight forward…
    We will fight fight fight for united till we win the football league..

  309. Sayyid says:

    @willierednut

    Fergie admitted we bid £30m for Benzema and we also bid £25m for Tevez, so we obviously have last years transfer kitty plus the normal £30m a year to spend plus any player sales

  310. willierednut says:

    I’ve got it, give Barca 200 million for Messi and give 150 million for Pato.

  311. CROoney says:

    Scott

    “Tevez had more time on the field last season than Berbatov has had this season”

    again, are you derranged mate !? why do you keep comparing tevez last season ?!

    your hatred towards the player makes you look childish…

    oh and i knew you’d answer it in the way you did ( that you use woman )…it was a joke mate

  312. redscot says:

    @ Calum98………………………………… Pmsl Thats copywrite mate, those are my words.From the after match comments against Bayern, naughty naughty boy. lol

  313. Fred says:

    @Che Guevarist

    “Let’s be honest. If United had qualified for the semi finals and were still one point above Chelsea we would never even be having such a discussion.”

    You can’t see the woods for the trees, mate.

    “Why is everyone overlooking the fact that the real problem on Sunday was lying in the midfield?”

    Because this article is about Berbatov.

    “The irony is, the only good opportunity was created by the foot of Berbatov. Would we be even be arguing if Valencia had scored? I highly doubt it.”

    What about the three or four opportunities Berbatov wasted?

  314. Slim says:

    Had enough of this Berbatov debate, maybe SAF should let him go because this environment just inst conducive for a player. If by some financial miracle we bought Messi from Barcelona and he didn’t bang in goals at the snap of our fingers, what will we call him them, MessiFlop ?

    And another thing, we’re talking about best positions and formations, the truth is Rooney is the one who should playing around the 18 yard box and linking midfield with attack, i don’t want a player of his talent turning into a Van Nistelrooy. So why doesn’t SAF play him BEHIND Berba, because he knows he probably wont be effective enough.

    I know its sound crazy, but what does that tell you, our midfield is crying out for a serious revamp, be it through new training regime or new players there needs to be a change in the middle of the park. My observation may be a bit short sighted but the only thing that should remain constant in the midfield is Fletcher, the rest of the players have to stand up and show their mettle from Hargo to Cleverly

    And before anyone says rooney wants to play in advanced role i will say playing behind a striker is an advanced role, just not at the focal point of the attack. We all want him to improve his all round game including goal scoring but he ain’t gonna be the player we say on his debut if we keep playing a 4-3-3 or formation where he’s the out and out forward .

    Oh and Veron would have been a success at United if SAF had let him get on with it. How would he have done that? simple , he should have let Keane step down as our midfield general. Correct me if i’m wrong but didn’t Keane leave a season or so after Veron left. People were already on his back saying all he did was pass sideways and backwards.

    He was influential don’t get me wrong, we needed someone like him around the younger players but he definitely should have stepped aside . Midfield people,midfield, we sort it out there and our strikers will finally have a chance at proving doubters wrong.

  315. Sayyid says:

    @willierednut

    How much money would we make if Messi signed for us…probably £100m just in shirts,new sponsorship and then all the prize money for winning the CL every other year

    I agree lets get Messi!

  316. CROoney says:

    Scott – listen to Fred

    he’s speaks sence

  317. willierednut says:

    Silva will cost at least 25, 30 million. Rodwell will cost at least 20 million and Milner will probaly cost between 15 and 20 million. We don’t have that kind of money.

  318. markhenry88 says:

    Berbatov V Tevez this season, only one winner. Says it all.

  319. Fred says:

    @Che

    “How about Berba’s overhead kick against Sunderland during the 2-2 draw when he was the only good player on the pitch?”

    Yep that’s two of his three greatest performances for United we’ve got:

    1. Winning header away to Bolton Wanderers
    2. ?????
    3. First equaliser in 2-2 home draw with Sunderland

    Let’s see if anyone remembers his other classic moment for us…

  320. sprite says:

    Fred
    Three or four opportunities?
    One Volley from 16 metres, thats all I can recall.. and one when it was many players in the box and his shot was blocked.. that was 2 opportunities.. and to say that he wasted them was VERY VERY harsh when you think about how many chances midfield should actually create in one match to actually blame the striker for a loss at all

  321. markhenry88 says:

    We dont need any fucking wingers. Two world class central midfielders and a striker.

  322. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Slim – did you just say we should have got rid of Keane and kept Veron?

  323. ross says:

    Scott, Are you incapable of writting something that DOESN’T include Tevez. You seem totally obsessed with the guy!I thought your Headline today, and yesterday, was about Berbatov??!! Now that’s bizarre!

    There have been countless emails today from fans saying why they like/dislike Berbatov, Smith and your mate,Tevez. So it HAS been explained. But for the third time, our fans like a player to give their all and he hasn’t in many people’s eyes. It really is as simple as that. When Tevez or Smith tried something but lost the ball they worked hard to get it back. The fans appreciated that and remembered it. When things we’ren’t going well for them i.e. when they weren’t scoring goals, they still worked hard – that includes Rooney too. Fans don’t forget that. Make a mistake, try and fix it. That’s a player with a good attitude.

    None of us have excused Tevez’ behaviour. He’s a cunt. Plain and simple. But we’re not talking about his personaility here. We’re not even talking about him, here. You are. All the examples have been about what he has contributed as a player.

    This whole thing is about whether Berbatov is good enough to play for our club. You seem well pissed off that quite a few people don’t agree with you.

    I appreciate that the idiots booing Berbatov annoyed you on Sunday, but don’t confuse the two issues relating to fans treatment of him at the weekend and whether he should be playing for us.

  324. Fred says:

    I’ll give you a clue: it was at home to mid-table opposition (surprise, surprise.)

  325. redscot says:

    @ willie, ohhhh yes we do, this is a bit like Punch and Judy, ohhhhhh no we dont.
    I’v withdrawn my g/f using my debit card , give it to SAF, be fucking cheaper.

  326. Colbert says:

    @ross

    “I appreciate that the idiots booing Berbatov annoyed you on Sunday, but don’t confuse the two issues relating to fans treatment of him at the weekend and whether he should be playing for us.”

    This. Very good point.

  327. CROoney says:

    let me tell you this – i preffer bendtner to berbatov…he has scored only 2 goals less than berba yet he scored some absolutely crucial late goals…i’d have that ability on my side any day ahead of the ball holding ability

    btw – the title of this article only hides the initial intention of the author – and that is berba stats vs tevez stats….admit it scott, you put the name of the title and alan smith only to mask your true intention

  328. Che Guevarist says:

    @ Fred

    The furore regarding Berba really got going after Sunday’s performance, so it’s only normal I refer to this game, where, again, our midfield was inexistent. The chances he got were at best half-chances, while the only clear-cut chance was created by him. Saying that not just Berba was at fault Sunday is,in essence, talking about Berba, which as you point out, this article is about.

  329. CROoney says:

    btw – berba is the most waster of chances like ever…from the top of the head 3 sitters agains city, 1 against villa, 1 against arsenal, 1 against chelses, 1 against blackburn, 1 or 2 against bolton or fulham, i can’t remember

  330. shabadu84 says:

    I was firmly in the camp that said Berba would turn it around and pick up the slack in Rooney’s absence. He hasn’t. I no longer believe he, mentally, has what it takes to succeed here. That may not have always been the case but now, it’s clear that the the mental aspect of success at united is not something within his grasp. He looks frustrated, annoyed, and unhappy. Even when he scores, I seem more relief than genuine joy and certainly none of that Cantona-esque attitude that a player of his skill should have. Berba will be gone this summer, fairly or not.

  331. Chrispiano says:

    Paul Parker
    As you said stats don’t tell the whole story.

    Tevez’s 3 goals vs Chelsea
    Free kick at home. Went through the wall and Cech fucked up.
    Penalty
    Disastrous keeping against a shot that was moving literally at 30cm/s

    Goal vs Arsenal.
    Against their Carling Cup team which is pretty much their youth squad, amazing…… I’m sure if we bothered to have played Berbatov in the early rounds of the Carling cup vs Wolves and Barnsley this season he would have scored too.

    Fred clearly you are suffering from a selective memory.

    Berbatov securing the points 08/09:
    Assist for Tevez’s first against Liverpool in the 2-1 loss
    Assist for Park in 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
    Scored against Middlesborough in the 1-0 win
    3-0 against Chelsea, an assist for Vidic’s first and then the 3rd goal.
    90th minute goal against Bolton away to secure a 1-0 victory.
    2-1 against Newcastle, he scored the second when it was 1-1.

    09/10:
    Opener in the 2-0 win over Stoke.
    Equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland (when the rest of the team were playing shit and it looked like we were going to lose)
    Opener against Blackburn in 2-0 win.
    Opener against Burnley in 3-0 win.
    Opener against Everton in 3-1 loss, (he was substituted at 1-1 because our midfield were playing so badly.)
    Put the result to bed vs Fulham in 3-0 win when they were getting back in it, 1 assist and a goal.
    2 goals vs Bolton away.

  332. Passe_Mouraille says:

    Why is this benzema nonsense coming up again? I will eat my own excrement before i welcome that c*nt benzema here. We are Manchester United, we don’t give second chances and nor do we let anyone bitch us around. The french wanker can f*ck his career at the mob and I don’t give a sh*t. Besides he’s been shite over there anyway so I really have a hard time understanding those who STILL wants him here.

  333. willierednut says:

    redscot – I know mate, some people think this is championship manager and not real life.

  334. utdforever says:

    @ Slim 17:06.

    “Midfield people,midfield, we sort it out there and our strikers will finally have a chance at proving doubters wrong.”

    Can I get an Amen?! LOL… well said.

    Our shortcomings haven’t been because of our attack it’s our midfield.. we need steal and creativity. Fletcher is there. My hero Scholes needs to be replaced (Rodwell anyone?) Carrick needs to seriously improve after an sub-par year. Ando needs to stay fit and prove he is worth the money spent. Hargreaves is the player we so desperately need fit, if we can’t keep him fit we need to sign another midfield destroyer, this summer, no ifs ands or buts. Our wingers are fine.. we’ve got class in Nani and Valencia with Park as some defensive cover in big games when need be.

    We are almost there and SAF knows that a few tweaks in the summer and we can be world beaters. Lets stay United guys.. all this bickering reminds me of what United isn’t.. we need to stay together, to have faith in SAF, if he thinks Berbs is good enough then he will stay, simple as, if not, he’s gone. We live by the sword and we die by the sword but we are still UNITED

  335. Paul Parker says:

    Sorry Pal, didn’t see you other post to me, I wish I had all day to write on ROM, lol, I don’t.

    Listen Scott, I can admit that I can see where YOUR comming from even though I completely disagree.

    but im not sure you see where IM coming from?

    You write as if you’re completely at a loss as to why Supporters, no less Supporters then you I might add, consider Berbatov as a failure.

    thats Ok. Its your blog. But in response to your first post to me:

    Firstly your only using League stats, thats fine with me, but I generally consider TOTAL goals scored to be more relevant. For instance, if Rooney scored fuck all Zero goals in the league but scored in every single game in Europe and then scored the winner in the final against Barcelona I wouldnt give a flying fuck about his league form. Would you? It wouldnt matter to me that he didnt score anything in the League.

    So when you keep saying Tevez scored 5 last year and Berbatov scored 12 this season, thats Bollocks pal. Sorry. Its not telling the whole picture.

    Tevez last season TOTAL goals 15
    Berbatov this season TOTAL goals 12

    So Berbatov has another 3 goals to score before he matches Tevez last year. Your comparison not mine mate.

    But like I said, we disagree, but at least I openly admit to seeing your side of the argument, I dont think you see mine,

    which I think is odd.

    but thats fine, I’d much much much rather be discussing Hernandez anyway.

    So instead of comparing Berbatov to Tevez and co (again) why don’t you concentrate on our new signing instead?

    Introduce him to ROM.

    We already know the Media consider his signature a sign of our demise as a Powerhouse in European Football.

    So why don’t you tell us more about our new striker instead of continuously defending Berbatov?

    Good players don’t need defending, do they? Lets see what he does against Manchester City….

    Might I add that nothing I’ve said makes me a Berba Basher?

    Christ, no player is beyond reproach at United. Do not forget that people.

  336. xol says:

    Like you mentioned in the other thread, Scott, Macheda did Eff all against Blackburn. It’s a big ask to step into Rooney’s shoes for any player though. Kiko’s young, missing match sharpness etc, but if we’re to operate a blame culture then those looking for a simple answer could look to him. Berba’s arm waving had a lot to do with Kiko’s movement and/or lack of movement, but the Boo boys obviously looked to justify their beliefs (that they are right and that Berba should go). When Berba held on to the ball for too long, nobody thought to question the lack of movement around him.

    I’m not giving up on Kiko, though. I just think that the last 2 weeks have seen us lose sharpness after all the injuries earlier in the season. I can understand people wanting the midfield strengthened, but personally I’m happy with the prospect of Hargreaves and Anderson returning to help out our other world class midfielders.

    There’s been a noticeable absence of comments regarding the lack of a fit Michael Owen and I think things would be very different were he around to replace Rooney’s movement around the opposition defensive line. Berbatov and Owen were a great partnership in pre-season, when Rooney was Cack.

  337. redscot says:

    @ willie ohhh right, so its not for real! thanks for that. Looking forward to the match tonight, I noticed someone said that had a Voodoo Doll. Dirty dirty bastards. lol
    I think we might get a wee bit luck tonight, well hoping.

  338. willierednut says:

    Again, Shearer turned us down, but we still went for him again.

  339. Fred says:

    @Sprite – the blocked shot he couldn’t have done much better with tbf, but the the weak shot from inside the box straight at Robinson, and the ridiculous volley were very poor. There was also a chance in the first half when he got through on goal but tumbled quite easily under a bit of pressure from Ryan Nelsen, though Nelsen was arguably fouling him.

  340. Slim says:

    @ North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says

    No not got rid off him but allow Veron to play as the midfield enforcer. It was never gonna work with Keane and Veron occupying the midfield slot. Saw no reason to rotate the two of them considering Keane was getting close to hanging his boots, in fact that could have helped Keano, much like the way Giggs and Scholes are rested from time to time

  341. redscot says:

    @Willie I just cant be bothered with the Dimitar/Kettleneck debate, its like comparing a burd with nice tits and a burd with a nice @ss two completely different animals, But I am in the Dimitar camp, because he is a United player.Simples end off.

  342. TonyBee says:

    fucking hell getting heated on here today aint it….. I was one of those who was fed up with Berba’s petulance on Sunday and said so on a blog ….. I even went a bit far as well calling for him to go but in the sober light of day realise that we have to keep him…he is a really misunderstood player that SAF needs to work his magic around (ala Nani) once he can upgrade the midfield and strengthen that up we will be able to field 2 strikers and that should suit Berba working just behind Wazza…..
    and i rather have Berba in my team than 10 Smiths or 10 Tevez’s

  343. utdforever says:

    I’ll play for Utd for free.. I’m a striker with a wicked left foot. Fergie .. Sign me up! FERGIE FERGIE SIGN ME UP!! Lol

    I have to fuck off now and get some work done… Great debate today though. Oh, and when I said Scholesy needs to be replaced, it doesn’t mean I don’t think he can contribute to our cause next season, just a bit part can do us the world of good. Legend.

  344. sinred says:

    Scott, how dare you use facts? You should know better. Sheesh.

    When was the last time a player has divided our fans as much as Berba has?

  345. sinred says:

    And Scott you some of the fans have been slagging off Carrick as well. I just can’t get my head around that. It just beggars belief how people turn on their own players. Somehow we have the divine right to win everything and if we don’t we need to sack the manager and sell everyone.

  346. willierednut says:

    sinred – Andy Cole.

  347. TonyBee says:

    And as for trying to sign that bullet headed cunt Shearer twice….that was just for Keano, so he could kick the fucking shit outta the Geordie fuckpig every day stead of on MATCH DAYS…LOL
    SHEARER WAS A CUNT THEN AND IS AN EVEN BIGGER CUNT NOW

  348. Slim says:

    what i wanna know is when will King Cantona come back, we complain about pundits and ex players talking shit in the media, i wish we had him in some capacity working for the club, heard he got an award the other day

  349. Macheda IS GOD says:

    xol kiko just had 3 games from long term injury
    berbatov didn’t.

  350. CaerdyddCoch says:

    @ Costas

    I don’t think you can say they have stalled his development. He’s only 22. It’s not as bad as someone being injured for a season yet I’m sure you’re looking forward to Hargreaves coming back? The guy’s attributes make him perfect for the Premier League and for United. And at United he will be able to develop more and become a more intelligent and effective player.

    So he made a rash decision at the age of 21, probably guided by “advisors” who didn’t have his best interests at heart. Who cares?

  351. Sayyid says:

    @sinred

    Carrick was brough to do a job in 2006 and he has successfully done that for 2 years up until the CL final. Ever since he has been useless

    Harldy any goals or assists and he’s supposed to be our CM playmaker. What a joke!!!

  352. sinred says:

    @ wilierednut

    Some similarities then. But he fought for his place didn’t he? I hope we see that from Berba.

    By similarities I mean that both Berba and Cole were competing with the fans’ favourites.

  353. Fred says:

    @Chrispiano

    “Scored against Middlesborough in the 1-0 win
    2-1 against Newcastle, he scored the second when it was 1-1.”

    Fair enough, I’d honestly forgotten about these. Fair play to Berba for those winning goals.

    “Opener against Blackburn in 2-0 win.” This is the other example of Berbatov doing the business for us I was thinking of.

    The other games you mentioned are nothing to write home about. I only listed Tevez’s MOST IMPORTANT games for us. You’ve listed EVERYTHING Berbatov ever did for us and it still doesn’t compare, so thankyou for proving my point.

  354. sprite says:

    fred

    you are describing a weak shot at robinson.. I really cant recall that.. you must mix up the volley and the “weak” shot..if you watch the volley over again, he does well to get a shot on target though.. the ball is boucing in a wierd way and he have to move his legs quickly and fires a shot stright at the keeper.. in my country the commentator said that right away… I doubt rooney would have scored really.. of course you wouldnt know, but how many goals has rooney scored outside the penalty area this season??

  355. redscot says:

    Right boys I have followed the debate/discussion all day, valid points on all sides, but still as clear as mud, the conclusion.All I know its Dimitar thats a UNITED player so he gets my 100% support through thick and thin.When he is gone, I think then we will realise what a gem we had in our possession.
    A world class attacking midfielder to service him he would score a barrowload.I have on top secret information that is what/who we will sign shortly, but hay dont tell anyone ok. lol
    Hope we all have a big smile on our Kissers after the match at the Bridge tonight

  356. xol says:

    @macheda is god

    Yeah Kiko’s lack of match sharpness showed didn’t it. Berbatov looked miles fitter than Kiko didn’t he.

  357. sinred says:

    @ Sayyid.

    He hasn’t been great this season but that doesn’t mean we slag him off. Its been frustrating watching him this season. His confidence was shot to bits after Rome. But I would definitely want to see him next season here.

  358. Fred says:

    @Paul Parker “Lets see what he does against Manchester City….”

    Exactly. Perfect opportunity for Berbatov to prove the “Berba bashers” wrong, isn’t it? Except he couldn’t do it at Blackburn, how the fuck is he gonna do it at City?

    Let’s hope Rooney is fit enough to play 90 minutes, then we won’t have to worry about it.

  359. kel says:

    I think Berbatov could work well for us as Attacking midfield. Forget about him being our strikers.
    That way we wont have to debate lol.

  360. Chrispiano says:

    Nah Fred I didn’t list everything he’s ever done, I only named 4 of his countless assists, and then theres the other goals that contributed to goal difference and his 4 CL goals last season as well..

  361. Fred says:

    @Sprite – I was talking about two seperate chances:

    Chance 1 – Neville heads the ball back across the penalty area where Berbatov, with plenty of time, shoots a weak shot straight at Robinson.

    Chance 2 – The ball drops unexpectedly to Berbatov, just outside the penalty area, who spins around and fires a wild shot well wide of Robinson’s right-hand post.

  362. Macheda IS GOD says:

    i miss rooney….life @ united seems dull without him… i miss chanting rooney..

  363. Macheda IS GOD says:

    reserves up in a bit maybe they can win and we dent liverpools hopes to win a title…again

  364. Fred says:

    @Chrispiano. Fair point, but if you think stuff like goals against Fulham, Bolton and Burnley compare favourably with things like last minute equalisers, winning goals in the biggest games or scoring a penalty in Moscow you are seriously deluded.

  365. whiteside85 says:

    Our midfield is our biggest problem right now. Its obvious 4-5-1 is the prefered formation for the big games but the reason for that is our midfield is so average, and SAF feels he needs three in there for the big games. I think theres still a place for Berbatov but we need to address the centre of the park. we need a world class midfielder with abit of pace (Carrick has been a good player for us but he doesnt dominate games & no pace watsoever) to play along side fletcher & then i think we could get away with playing Berbatov with Rooney. both players are familiar with dropping of the front man so it would make sense to me when we’re defending to have one of them just drop that bit deeper and stand neer the oppositions holding midfielder doesnt matter which one. take turns. The only problem I have with Berbatov is his moaning recently, but he’s under enormous pressure. Also I dont think Fergie knows what to do with him. he said at the start of the season he was goin to play him at the top end of the pitch. the focal point. but i thnk because our midfield is so short of craft & creativity he asks berbatov to roam about like Eric did. I kind of feel sorry for him. mad init whens hes on 100k aweek.

  366. Fred says:

    Can’t believe I got sucked into another Berbatov v Tevez debate.

    WTF does Tevez have to do with anything anyway? Tevez is not the issue here.

  367. The Shankill Skinhead says:

    Stats agian about berbatov. Who cares. Hasn`t delivered when it mattered. Get out.

  368. rat1p says:

    its so ridiculous to analyse everything he does if we would do that with every player nobody would shine at all
    its okay to relive the matchday but the majority blames berba for every bad result because its the easiest thing

  369. sprite says:

    “Chance 1 – Neville heads the ball back across the penalty area where Berbatov, with plenty of time, shoots a weak shot straight at Robinson.”

    your making it easier than it was.. he was 15 metres away from the goal.. 5 players one-two united and four blackburn players, who was running towards him, were infront of him.. it was not a sitter in a million years, maybe berbatov could have done more of it.. but it was never a sitter..

    “Chance 2 – The ball drops unexpectedly to Berbatov, just outside the penalty area, who spins around and fires a wild shot well wide of Robinson’s right-hand post.”

    still cant recall this.. was it towards the end of the game? early on?

  370. rat1p says:

    chance 2 was at then end of the game but never near a sitter

  371. bchilds says:

    Scott makes a good point about price tag, I too don’t feel he would be considered a flop if he had cost us £10m-£15m.

    If we had signing him from Bayer Leverkusen for that kind of figure he would be thought of much higher than for £30m from Spurs.

    I must say I don’t consider him a success here but a flop is too stronger word, a different time in a different style of team it may have worked but I think Berba’s time at United has run its course.

    P.S. No to Benzema! Shearer is the only player to have turned us down and Sir Alex has had another go, I want that to remain. If we weren’t good enough for Benzema in Summer 2009 then he’s not good enough for United in 2010.

  372. Marq says:

    I don’t understand the point where people are trying to prove Scott wrong. Here he is, putting up a blog entry about our player, and so many people try to shoot it down. For God’s sake, this is his blog, he can write whatever he wants, and the fact that this is one of the top sites about Manchester United proves that the material he puts up is good. Some of us agree with his post and are branded in his asses, is this what some of you are becoming just because you have a different opinion? I don’t care if you are a supporter of generations or you started supporting the club yesterday, degrading and offensive comments, even if its a banter, only shows what kind of person you are, someone who just want to win a war of word by utterly having no respect for people.

    Why not you go and try open your own blog and start a thread that is anti-berbatov and we will see if you have supporters in your blog.

    This blog is for the good of the club, not a ground for you to win arguements, now just get lost if you are not happy with what you read here, you have no right to tell Scott what to put up

  373. ace red devil says:

    berbatov would be far more effective if fergie’s using him as a CM

  374. Fred says:

    From John Terry’s programme notes tonight: “We’ve never won the Double. In my life-time only Liverpool, Man United & Arsenal have. Let’s make history.”

    Makes you sick as a parrott, doesn’t it.

  375. Colbert says:

    Marq

    You are right, Scott can put up whatever he wants. But then he must also be prepared to have his opinion challenged. That’s how it works.

    (Not saying that Scott can’t handle dissenting views. Far from it, it looks like he can discuss a matter with the commenters without getting upset)

  376. rooneyisclass says:

    Having been a utd fan since the early 70`s I have seen some shite at man utd,but in the main the fans have always got behind the players.
    But just lately I can honestly say I am ashamed of some of my fellow fans,if we dont win every game 5-0,they have to look for a scapegoat,utd have no devine right to win everything.
    The disgraceful way that some fans behave towards one of our own players makes me sick,some of them are even made up when berba misses a chance.
    I always thought utd fans were better than that,maybe the rest of the country are right about us?

  377. Teelius says:

    I BELIEVE IN BERBA!

    As any true United fan should, we should get behind our players instead of deriding them.

    Also, if you are stupid and can’t develop your own opinion on Football, please stop using the opinions of footie writers and footie pundits.

  378. King Eric says:

    Been keeping an eye on the blog but been in Bute since Friday. Still gonna read it but not comment as much. It has got very nasty on here. Anyway just have one thing to say . Tevez is a fucking cunt of the highest order. Nuff said.

    http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2171/premier-league/2010/04/13/1877115/manchester-city-forward-carlos-tevez-hopes-to-play-for-west

  379. redscot says:

    @ Fred , yip fred not really like a parrot, squacking away like a fucking Budgie, all the more reason to wish them all the ill winds they merit!

  380. aig alex is god says:

    King Eric

    hi mate. How are you?

    Dont do that mate. We mostly disagree but i enjoy reading you comments. I have been away myself. It was crazy after the bayern defeat. Dont let a few idiots keep you away

  381. MG says:

    @KIng Eric

    For what it’s worth welcome back

  382. bchilds says:

    The dilemma – do I watch Chelski vs Bolton or do I completely ignore the fact they’re playing and look out for the full time result?

  383. aig alex is god says:

    How do the performances in the big games matter in the league. We beat arsenal we get 3 points, we beat burnley we still get 3 points

    rooney has Started in all the defeats Apart from Chelsea game so do we get on his back too??

  384. redscot says:

    @ King Eric, hay Jaysus mate you have a lot of support, you should just get stuck in again.Gives us all a laugh again.

  385. King Eric says:

    aig – Thanks mate. Yeah I am ok thanks how are you? I don’t want to sound like some sort of martyr and want everyone to say “Wheres King Eric” but to be honest I have had enough. Every other post is sell this player and buy this player. Best one was sell fucking Sheasy! Yeah lets sell the player we have missed BADLY this season . It is getting daft mate. Heard some cunt on the radio saying how they are actually boycotting the games till Berba goes. You could not make it up. Everything was rosy till Munich away and then all of a sudden we see the usual bile. I am having to sift through the shite to read the good posts. I WILL still comment and will always follow this great blog as it is the best out there with some great people but just having a bit of a break. No doubt if we do Citeh things will all be rosy again. Saturday is a great opportunity to galvanise the shirts for the remaining 3 games.

  386. King Eric says:

    redscot, MG – ditto

  387. bchilds says:

    @King Eric

    Don’t let the muppets take over the boards pal, hopefully if Chelski do win the league the muppets will move to the Chelski blog!

  388. King Eric says:

    bchilds – Yeah mate lets hope so! Anyway off to watch the Reserves now.

  389. redscot says:

    @ Bchilds Watch the Chelski game mate, and will Bolton on easy.Owen Coyle is Scottish so he will try to do his buddie Alex a favour. Thats that sorted then 1 point to recover.

  390. aig alex is god says:

    @king eric

    I am good too.

    Common mate. You shouldnt let some clueless idiots affect you. I was shocked myself to hear some of the comments. The worst was get rid of SAF.didnt comment myself from friday till today.

    I am not just saying for the sake of it mate. its great to have you back and dont go away again. I actually tried to find out whether you were there on the forum wanting to send you mail but there was one king eric and he was 26 years old so it wasnt you.

  391. Fred says:

    Fergie tried the old mind games on Bolton, suggesting that Chelsea would win easily. I just can’t see Bolton getting anything from the game, in fact, the only consolation of the inevitable Chelsea thrashing is that maybe, just maybe, Bolton could still go down.

    Let’s face it, Chelsea won the league at Old Trafford last Saturday. We had a chance to put some pressure on them at Ewood Park but we blew it.

  392. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    @King Eric

    feel your pain mate

    also you have mail

    Now on to this compair tevez and berbatov this season bullshit

    TEVEZ DOESNT PLAY FOR UNITED THIS FUCKING SEASON SO WHO GIVES A FUCK

    Scott compare Obertan to Ronaldo’s stats this season

    Scott compair Micheal Owens stats to Messi this year

    get your fucking head out of your holes and Start supporting the team

  393. willierednut says:

    The King has spoken.

  394. aig alex is god says:

    Bolton are rubbish. If chelsea cant break them down you always have players like j lloyd samuel ready to put the ball in their own net. They let one go in and fall apart and concede 3 or 4

  395. willierednut says:

    Sir Alex is right, 3 easy points for Chelsea.

  396. willierednut says:

    Thank ya, thank ya very much.

  397. redscot says:

    @aig, @Willie, your so wrong, the wheels will come of tonight, my prayers will be answered

  398. Neville Neville says:

    Ultimately football fans can be a fickle bunch and for me we’re seeing that with Berba. Not so long ago I remember Fletch being persistantly verbally slaughted by the the row behind me – one “fan” only refered to him as ‘the maggot’ until last season ffs. Now, of course, they’ve got a new target…

  399. Corea says:

    @North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row –
    “You dont have to agree with everything Scott and others on here say to be a ‘proper supporter’.”
    is it so hard to understand ? you don’t have to bring childish things like “i think everyone here is a gloryhunter who supports the club for 2 years” in order to prove your point. i know i am a worthless person but i don’t think you are that naive to think that being a true supporter depends on the country you live or the number of years you support your club.

    @Scott – post at 16:04 legendary! it really is outrageous. Season is still on.

  400. maci says:

    The bottom line here is that berbatov doesnt get many goals and thats what strickers are there to do and especially a 30 mil stricker! That is there job…to score alot of goals and BErba is just not doing that at all!!!! The only positive thing about the man is he creates many goals with assists so im not even sure if you can even calll the guy a forward?????
    He is more of a centre defensive midfielder to me…not an out and out attacker!

  401. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    Cory Evans is gonna be a beast

  402. aig alex is god says:

    @redscot

    Lol. Your optimism mate.

    I had hope liverpool will get something from chelsea game but those useless clowns are out of 4th place themselves.

  403. sprite says:

    maci..
    not to ruin you magic moment, but is 12 goals in 29 games bad for a “centre defensive midfielder” ?

  404. sprite says:

    Ghtt
    Gill is also turning into a beast.. cant believe someone was throwing abuse towards him.. another example of scumbags among our fanbase

  405. redscot says:

    @Corea Who said you are a worthless person,Thats a nonesense nobody is worthless everyone has a contribution in this life. Some people just dont go around banging there chests like Tarzan.
    Stand up for what you believe mate.

  406. willierednut says:

    Heal the Berb, make him a better player.

  407. redscot says:

    @ AIG lol well you get me, optimistic! I just wont through in the towel till its mathematically impossible

  408. aig alex is god says:

    Who is the reserve game against. Whats the score???.

    Any links???

  409. Fred says:

    @AIG “Bolton are rubbish. If chelsea cant break them down you always have players like j lloyd samuel ready to put the ball in their own net.” This gave me a good laugh. :-D

    @RedScot “Who said you are a worthless person,Thats a nonesense nobody is worthless everyone has a contribution in this life. Some people just dont go around banging there chests like Tarzan.
    Stand up for what you believe mate.” Nicely put. You’re wise beyond your years, mate. :-)

  410. aig alex is god says:

    @redscot

    thats great mate. unfortunately those rentboy arseholes have hit form at the right time while we are slipping a bit at the wrong time

  411. maci says:

    mate 12 goals in 29 games aint good enough for me and im sure that its also not good enough for any united fan! Dont get me wrong, Berbatov is a great player with amazing skills! He holds the ball up so well and never gives it away but in my opinion he is not a stricker!

  412. rooney the new king says:

    WB King Eric – well seems everyone has not really taken into context the change of formation to 433 and berbatov is now on the bench has huge factors into why berbatov has struggled, I will keep saying every player must be comfortable in a certain formation for that player to thrive, we saw rooney last year struggle on the left put him into a formation or right position he is a world beater, nearly every playe must be comfortable in a certain formation. If fergie played 352 would the likes of ferdinand vidic evra be comfortable no they are players who prefure playing in a back 4

  413. redscot says:

    @ Fred, shall I take a bow,,,,,, lol thank you, just like a happy ship. On the good ship lolipop, lol

  414. rooney the new king says:

    but I will keep saying berbatov is a 442 striker, unfortunetly united are playing 433 2 wingers supporting striker berbatov likes to play off a striker not be the vocal point of the team and uniteds midfield is not strong enough to play a 2 so it is a rock in a hard place.

  415. willierednut says:

    Tarzan had Jane, Berby has no – one.

  416. aig alex is god says:

    redscot

    wise beyond your years??. whats your age mate??

  417. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    @spirit
    you are bang on and i agree 100% with you i found it funny that
    you say “someone” like it was one guy

    there were people on this blog supporting the LUHG chants shouted at him last week instead of cheerin a kid for scoring the opening goal. Idiots at the match idiots on this

    Gill is my man for the player of the year award

    but he wont be at united for long not because he’s a fantastc player now not because he’s gonna be something special just because he needs protecting so he’ll leave or be sold becase of the abuse he gets FROM HIS OWN FANS
    ive read on this today if you love tevez support city
    but if you want to hate all over your players from first team down to reserves then FUCK OFF AND SUPPORT MILLWALL

    also Obertan has speed to waste

  418. Costas says:

    @CaerdyddCoch

    It;s different mate. Hargo didn’t waste one year at Madrid learning how not to get motivated to be the best. :D

    The word character has been brought up a lot today. What’s Benzema’s? Does he want to play for a club like United? Or does he prefer the glamour of Madrid?

  419. Costas says:

    I see that King Eric returned. About fucking time.

    Welcome back man.

  420. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    @AIG

    Liverpool 0-0 somehow United are playing very very well
    brandy had a shot cleared off the line that was 99 times out of a 100 in but ill keep you posted
    also nice one for the mail

  421. redscot says:

    @ Aig, the Drinks are on me after the match if Bolton win, and they will. I went to the church and asked the devine one for a wee favour.And while i was there I returned the collection money I nicked the last time i was in, so I think I will get my wish.

  422. Gary says:

    This is turning into berbaofmancunia.com.

    We have seen all these stats a thousand times over. Stats never tell you the whole story. The comparisons between him and Tevez are meaningless because Tevez is clearly the better player. He was far more suited to United’s style of play and he produced on big occasions which Berbatov hasn’t done once. If Berbatov had never signed Tevez would still be at this club, but because of the transfer fee we payed for him we was never going to pay that sort of fee for Tevez. Fergie fucked up big time on this occasion. I will all ways back Fergie, he is Manchester United, but we need to realise even the great man himself can make the wrong decision. He could have handled the whole affair a lot better.

  423. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    KIng ERic

    you know Costas ment that as he never says fuck

  424. RedDevilzAdvocate says:

    Sorry havent been able to read all the posts man, just give it up, if he were really that good, this debate wouldnt be happening.

  425. aig alex is god says:

    @Ghtt

    thanks a lot mate.

    Envy you guys that you get to watch our young lads and reserves in action. really miss it :-(

    Also good to have you back mate.Hope this can be a new beginning. Bygones are bygones.

  426. willierednut says:

    I’d take Benzema over Aguero and Higuain every time, but also hoping that Hernandez can make a great impact in th premiership.

  427. redscot says:

    ‘@ willie well if he read some of the posts in here the last few days , I certainly would not let him near anything sharp, and be kept away from ties.
    @ Aig 18, but I am taken, lol

  428. Corea says:

    @Gary –

    “Stats never tell you the whole story” — > “The comparisons between him and Tevez are meaningless because Tevez is clearly the better player.”

    “I will all ways back Fergie” — > “Fergie fucked up big time on this occasion” “He could have handled the whole affair a lot better”

    it’s a beautiful life, oh oh ooo !

  429. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    Eric Cantona just scored another super strike

    oh no wait that was Obertan

    what a freekin beauty

  430. willierednut says:

    redscot – Heard that one before, about you buying drinks, send me over black label vodka lol.

  431. Gary says:

    @Scott. You know full well that Tevez is more than just a headless chicken, I mean for christs sake the fucker scored 3 goals against us in the semi’s of the carling cup!

    If we had Tevez instead of Berbatov this season we would have won the league by now, I am all most certain of that. The bloke is a fighter who has bundles of self belief, he the type of player you want on your side when the chips are down. I bet you was singing his praises after the double in 08 and rightly so because the bloke was fantastic.

  432. Costas says:

    @GHTT

    Yeah, I am mild mannered, lol. ROM isn’t the same without the King though.

  433. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    half time 1 nil united

    i swear to you people if you havent seen this goal get trying to stream it

    you will never get sick of watchin it

  434. rooney the new king says:

    is it me or has pandoras box been opened or the berbatovbox been opened its gone into overdrive

  435. willierednut says:

    Players having a great character, them days are long gone. Red Nev, Giggsy and Scholesy are a dying breed.

  436. sprite says:

    Ghtt
    the language barrier devil hits me again.. I meant many many more people than one.. really think he has the mentality you need to get over such things, but time will show.. if he is off next season it is hopefully only for a loan deal mate..

  437. Gary says:

    @Corea

    So you don’t think Fergie fucked up on this occasion? I have and will all ways back him in terms of my support for the man, he decides when he leaves Manchester United, we are in debt to the great man. His brilliant decisions far out weigh the wrong ones, BUT this was one of those rare occasions when he got it wrong! And if you don’t think so you’re are just saying so because you’re being biast to the point of ridiculous.

  438. stpercival, the former john ferry says:

    Berba has made great contributions to the team, this point you can not argue. One of the most insulting things anyone could have done was to “boo” a player who chose to play for us rather than $hity. I have always felt that Manchester United Fans are a cut above the rest…and for the most part we. We are better than the fans of madrid, the scouse, or chelski.

  439. Corea says:

    @Gary – no, i will always believe in our players. as long as we have mathematical chances i will believe we can do it.
    but unfortunately chelsea are going to be crowned champions.

  440. redscot says:

    @ Willie a black label it is mate, Vodka ok I think the Boozer’s only got Smirinoff or some knicked stuff.Come on you trotters. 1/2

  441. Corea says:

    Come on you Bolton!

  442. Che Guevarist says:

    GHTT

    How did he score it? Can’t find a stream damn it

  443. rooney the new king says:

    Costas – dont you agree our debate last night on finding sollutions on how to solve positions and players like berbatov that we dont get enough on here, dont you think scott should do a topic

    is sir alex ferguson’s change of formation a big factor into why berbatov is struggling

    or is sir alex ferguson getting the best out of dimitar berbatov from formation to different position change

    scott the red should delve into these reasons forget stats we all should discuss look at the formation of united and how fergie is using berbatov I find fergie is getting it wrong when berbatov is clearly a striker who likes to play off a striker, and for him to do that he needs a strong midfield to give him the platform to do that, because this 433 formation is making berbatov suffer even more, he cant come off the bench and change a game he needs to start games benching him has done him no favours.

    I still say the formation to 433 keeping berbatov on the bench, and our midfield which is not strong enough to play a 2 man midfield the big reasons why berbatov has been struggling.

  444. King Eric says:

    Anyone else heard the cunts on ESPN drooling over the Chav’s? Fucking disgusting. Anyone would think they had just done 3 on a spin and lifted their 4th. Fucking cunts. Talking about the size of their great squad and how they have the “luxury” to pick either Drogba or Anelka or EVEN BOTH! Fucking Anelka ain’t scored in ten yet no mention of that fact yet Berba gets fucking torn apart.

  445. brett1985 says:

    People have to get away from this Berbatov obsession and think about what is good for United for the remaining games of the season.

  446. CaerdyddCoch says:

    @ Costas

    I don’t know what his character is. But as a professional footballer I would hazard a guess that he wants to be a first team player and win trophies.

  447. King Eric says:

    Costas – Thanks alot mate.

    gotta hate – Absolute screamer.

  448. redscot says:

    @ eric, you crack me up seriously lmao. thats what we missed

  449. rooney the new king says:

    King Eric – they should ask themselves chelsea are top because of uniteds terrible injury list and losing players and united being in a transitional period, chelsea should be imbarassed they are top because united have been totaly off the pace.

  450. Gary says:

    @Corea

    We have been spoilt on success over the years so we can not complain if we don’t end up as champions which looks unlikely. I will be giving up my season ticket as of next year because I have other commitments in life now and I don’t hold the passion that I used to because believe me my life used to revolve around Manchester United.

    You and other have your views on the Berbatov/Tevez debate and I can appreciate that. At the end of the day not everyone one will agree but we will all ways support the club. I just feel like some United fans are quick to dismiss Tevez as a headless chicken now it’s convinient for them.

  451. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    Che Guevarist

    running straight through the middle into the box back to the defender got the ball tee’d it up for a volley himself hit it slightly on the volley just outside the 6 yard box put his volley was like a pass tohimself as he turned caught it on the volley from his own volley and cracked that sucker into the back of the net

  452. rooney the new king says:

    oh yes does anyone forget how old chelsea are, hear my words if united sort out their midfield the rest should take care of itself. And why are united being linked with silva when united have valencia nani giggs park obertan and tosic coming back onloan its the midfield that needs sorting out and getting a long term replacement for VDS. Uniteds spine will need rebuilding not signing wingers

  453. willierednut says:

    I wouldn’t dismiss what Tevez done for us in the past, but i fail to see why he gets so much adulation.

  454. irwinisalegend says:

    11 of his 12 goals have been against opposition in the lower hlf of the table. He is over priced, over hyped and lazy! The Bulgarians are also on his back over his mediocre performances for the national team. He will be in the Bundesliga next year! The most frustrating player i’ve ever seen at United

  455. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    Costa

    any chance you could rewrite that blogspot you wrote on Emily
    the site lost it by mistake and are looking to put it up tomorrow or thursday

  456. Slim says:

    watchin the reserves game and obetan is having fun

  457. manchester says:

    BIG MISTAKE to send Berbatov away. Instead of putting pressure on him, telling him he sucks and expecting so much from him ( I mean let’s face it, he ain’t ever gonna be no Rooney – which is what we want from him ) we should be trying to encourage him. Berbatov stuck his neck out to get to Manchester United a few years ago – even defying Tottenham. Tevez would never do a such thing – he was out of here the moment things got too tough for him.

    We are blaming Berbatov for most of united’s failures this season – but by my last count there are 11 of our players on the pitch – we are a team – and obviously something is not clicking. The question is – what makes Berbatov comfortable? Where does he want to stand? He tried very hard at Blackburn – more than some on the pitch – he got so frustrated he was shouting. He needs encouragement and something to keep him going. Ask him what he wants, Ferguson – don’t shook him out the door! Show us fans your magic Ferguson, and make him United.

  458. bchilds says:

    @Slim

    Is it still 1-0 United pal?

  459. Slim says:

    @bchilds
    Yup 1-0
    pool look shite :-)

  460. redscot says:

    @ manchester, well said like many of the lads in here today, support who we have, we can all play the jigsaw game, its all ifs and buts and maybes and what if.We need to push the lads over the finishing line.
    I dont know if you are watching the Chelsrent v Bolton game, its going to plan 0.0

  461. Slim says:

    plus Fergie’s watching the game too

  462. The Shankill Skinhead says:

    Exactly right gary. This headless chicken business is laughable. Headless chicken that has scored shedloads this season, headless chicken that kept his head in vital matches, headless chicken that scored first in a european cup final shoot out. The bloke is a cunt but please stop using this silly moniker to describe his abilites on the pitch. Now who missed in the fucking carling cup final and spent all day on saturday flapping his arms around and blaming everyone else for his inept ablility under pressure??

  463. bchilds says:

    @redscot

    Can’t see anything other than a comfortable win for Chelski but you never know. I have a horrible feeling if it isn’t a mauling it’ll be another Arsenal vs Wolves!

  464. Frog says:

    There are statistics out there to say that Denilson is one of the most underrated and effective central midfielders in Europe. But that doesn’t mask the fact that when you watch him on the pitch he’s largely rubbish for most of Arsenal’s games. There aren’t stats relating to laziness and effort levels in football. Nor are the stats for misses and mistakes regularly recorded and tabulated.

    When you look at Denilson play the reason his pass completion is so high is because he passes backwards and sideways so often to free defenders that it’s hard to intercept. But are these passes effective? Largely the answer is no. They don’t rate his tracking which is terrible as seen against Utd at the Emirates or his positional awareness which is again poor. There are many intangibles which can only be observed during a broadcast that tell you the full story about a player.

    That’s one of the things that makes statistical analysis flawed when you don’t have every action accounted for in your statistics. Statistically Berbatov is having his best season at the club so far. However, these statistics don’t rate him for goal scoring efficiency, clear chances converted etc.

    That’s why there are people out there who knock Berbatov. Sometimes they are justified in that Berbatov isn’t clinical enough in front of goal when it counts, or that he doesn’t work hard enough for the team. It’s especially clear when Utd has a player like Rooney who runs his socks off every game and is a very clinical striker in front of goal.

    It’s not to say that I’m equating Berbatov to Denilson, he’s clearly better than the cube headed Brazilian. But while stats don’t lie, in a sport like football they often don’t account for 100% of what happens on the field. Baseball can be broken down almost 100% into statistical data which can then be used to grade players on without ever watching them because of the nature of the sport. Whereas football doesn’t have that statistical depth readily available. It’s hard to find the stats for ground covered, percentage of time spent running, jogging etc. While I don’t think the article is bad, it doesn’t tell the full story when it comes to Berbatov.

  465. JakeManc says:

    Why on earth do people say they would rather have Tevez than Berba at United? Seriously?
    Tevez chose Citeh over United, Berba did not.

    Tevez = Money grabbing, attention seeking, whinging, ‘too big for his boots’, idiotic whore.
    Yeah he has United written all over him, hasn’t he….?

    Berba on the other hand, a perfect gentleman, not bothered about money or Citeh, loves being a United player and is a bloody good one as well.
    He is not United material….?

    Stupid.

  466. Slim says:

    Obertan is having MAD FUN !!!!!

  467. Che Guevarist says:

    GHTT

    Thanks mate. Sounds good, someone will put it up somewhere after the game I hope :D

  468. redscot says:

    @ bchilds its going ok just now mate almost 35 mins gone they have contained them they aint gone there to roll over, its going to Coyles plan, I just pray they dont start to tire.Mind there is a Chelsea, jerkoff or summit running around with blood peeing out his head, now removed from the play. its ok thus far.
    Come on you Trotters. lol

  469. bchilds says:

    @redscot

    Yea it’s going ok, Chelski starting to look more threatening but that’s going to happen. Fingers crossed Bolton get something.

    I’ve been thinking about that Wigan 2-2 (?) that Chelski has either last season or the season before which really affected them.

    Any chance of a repeat!!!

  470. CROoney says:

    chelsea don’t look dangerous at all….they’re boring also

  471. CROoney says:

    but chelsea will not lose points in all three matches…here,spurs and pool matches

  472. bchilds says:

    Game over!

  473. willierednut says:

    1 0 Rentboys

  474. CROoney says:

    lol i saw someone criticising anelka…he scores when he needs to ;)

  475. manchester says:

    @redscot Exactly – we are pulling Berbatov back with all this talk – instead of pushing him and his team-mates to the top and over the finishing line. It’s all gotten silly. I think we should stick by our players, for Berbatov to get on that pitch with his head held high and still try with all he can and make do with what he’s got while being booed is enough to make him a good player.

    No, I’m not watching the game but am keeping tabs!

  476. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    Olive Gill is going to be the man

  477. bchilds says:

    Can’t see Bolton getting anything now. I do apologies for my pessimism!

  478. manchester says:

    Oh and …Chelsea who??!! Can’t hear them.

  479. Slim says:

    @Gotta hate tiny tears
    True that , every time the ball gets into the 18 i hear his name.did u see the foster slip lol

  480. redscot says:

    Jesus mother mary of God, you just needed to hold out till half time, Christ, what was it there goalkeeper, yaskalining, lol he should have put his body on the line there and taken one for the team, and US. TWAT.

  481. bchilds says:

    @GHTT

    He certainly looks the real deal. Hopefully he doesn’t get driven out by the LUHG protestors

  482. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    This season has been ruined by the fans moaning about Berbatov even though the stats show otherwise. Theses fans constantly yearn for the argie troll like yearning for the an ex-girlfriend who gone gold digging and its embarrasing. As United fans we should be better than that. The chance Berbatov set Valencia up with vs Blackburn has happened numerous times this season with the same outcome. Unfortunately when you create chances only for your team mate to miss you never get any credit. I said at right at the very start of when I contributed to this blog that the United fans want Berbatov to fail and that was displayed by those cunts at Ewood. Then you get some idiots on here thinking he’ll be finished at 32. Well morons you complain about his pace and not chasing everything down, you honestly think pace is going to ruin his game in his 30s. NO FUCKING CHANCE. He’s in the same category as Beckham, Scholes, Bergkamp, Sheringham in that his ability is linked to ability not pace. Torres and Tevez will be fucked by the time they hit their 30s. He could have been here for a while we don’t know if he will or not, we bought him whilst playing 4-4-2 and we’ve now forgotten to play a system we once mastered. Is that not the managers fault? Berbatov calls for a ball to feet and our midfield plays it in front of him Is that not the midfields fault? He holds up play? What a fucking ludicrous argument that is. He’s holding the ball up to get support from our wingers who’s goalscoring this season has been shite. Yet lets blame Berbatov. We’re no different to other footy fans including Ingurland and thats the most embarrasing thing about this whole fiasco.

  483. Gary says:

    @JakeManc

    Berbatov: “a perfect gentlemen” I didn’t realise you knew the bloke on a personal level. To be fair to Tevez he lost his place in the side after the club has just acheived the second greatest season in our clubs history and his replacement was hardly pulling up trees. He was clearly not offered a lot later then he has been agreed because United were clearly stalling on the deal because they didn’t want to pay the fee being asked. He felt he had been used on this 2 year deal and then was to be shipped out. I don’t think United never intended to keep him. The club and Fergie can be pretty ruthless as well.

  484. redscot says:

    @ manchester, big shout out to you, your right on the money mate, no point destroying the players we have, its like saying to a poker player, ohhhhh I dont like the hand I have been dealt.Thats what we have back it and support your cards.
    I have written till I am fucking fed up writing, Dimitar is a class player, what we lack is a penetration in terms of a midfielder to find him in the 18 yard box, then we will see him flourish and become a United star. Anyways some people just look for instant sucess and players to hang there hurt on.Its been a mixture of events that have got us to were we are, you know the moments as well as I.
    I just dont want too see him leave and for United to be made a mockery of, which the media will quickly do with relish, and therefore dis Sir Alex and nobody wants to have to read hear and see this.
    Just find that Midfield player to bring the best out of Dimitar, and I will give you a kiss. lol

  485. james21 says:

    Hay Guys there is a Berbatov article on Scotts Face Book page. I got my head Bitten so I came back here.
    @Manchester
    Well Said. I said it months ago. Make the Guy feel welcome instead of being so eager to jump on him all the time.
    Just gets me how Berbatov is always to blame. Lets not forget most of the team underpreformed against Chelsea and Chelsea scored a goal that was MILES offside and their 1st being awful defending.
    Blackburn are a very tough side to beat (only lost twice at home) and I believe players Other than Berbatov missed good chances.
    I still say Its the 30mil price tag and not the player himself that pisses fan off.
    As for Carlos Kettleneck stop whining on its beginning to sound like the Bitters. He proved what a total Mercinary he was, he’ll likely do the same to Shitty when Madrid come calling.

  486. manchester says:

    @NotouriousRedDevils I couldn’t of said it better myself. Unlike some, I have stuck by Berbatov as a united player since he came because he is a good player, and he does set up some brilliant chances and let’s face it, the ball is hardly ever put in his park. Berbatov will keep going, and United and Ferguson need to help him to SUCCESS – sell him; and it’s going to come right back in our faces. He is a million times better than Tevez – always has been. Ignored every team bidding for him but us, and made sure he got here no matter what and that makes him United enough. Remember, there is ELEVEN men in our team, not ONE. Berbatov contributed to recent matches alot – and effectively. Is it his fault when he passes a clear ball and that player misses a shot? Is it his fault we are expecting him to be so brilliant that we want to pray up to him? What’s that going to do for him – only pile on the pressure he already has from recent booing.

    Chelsea winning – how is this going to end(!)

  487. Gary says:

    @NotoriousRedDevil

    I bet if you were a Spurs fan you would see Berbatov in a slightly different light, hardly acted like a gentleman not turning up for training and refusing to play, but being United fans we choose to forget this because he turned down City for us, what a top guy.

    You were a fool for ever thinking us United fans were unique to any other sets of supporters because lets face it 99 per cent fo all football fans are ridiculously biast and all ways see themselfs and their team as some kind of saint opposed to the others who are all cheating scum.

  488. manchester says:

    @james21Goes right through me too, all this nonsense talk about Berbatov always to blame.
    @redscot Well said mate.

  489. RedDevilzAdvocate says:

    @notoriousreddevil
    Left you when you said “…is that not the manager’s fault?” Don’t you dare blame SAf while trying to big up that useless “forward” is SAF going to get on the pitch and perform for Berbaflop? Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions mate. and I said this on an earlier blog, why would i just hate/want to see fail, a player for the team i support? Do i know him from anywhere else, or personally? did he snatch my girlfriend?/ He’s disliked because he HAS been a flop for united and while being a flop stands around flinging his arms about and berating his team mates and the whole world instead of getting on with the game. Its everyone else’s fault apart from him.

  490. JakeManc says:

    @ Gary
    I was referring to the fact that he doesn’t go moaning about his “situation” to the press.
    When I called Tevez a whore, do you think I meant that about his personal life as well?

  491. Costas says:

    @GHTT

    I will see if I can find it and tell you at youtube.

  492. Costas says:

    @RTNK

    Yeah I agree. That’s where the conversatiuon should start going. Berba stats and Berba-Tevez comparisons don’t interest me at the moment. As soon as the season is over, we have to look at the big picture.

  493. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    Che Guevarist
    sorry mate i just read what i wrote
    it wasnt outside the 6 yard box it was outside THE box

  494. sprite says:

    NotoriousRedDevil
    Spot on!

  495. redscot says:

    @ notorious, while I am taking as in having a girlfriend, I think i could marry you. lol Every word you write is clear concise and bang on. Well said.Its just pure undiluted drivel to destroy one of our players and not give him the credit he so richly merits.As you rightly point out time and time again seen at Ewood slid the ball expertly for Antonio, Robinson(fat cunt) saved with his shin, aye right thats Dimitars fault.
    He got blame in Munich jaysus the man was on the park for 17 minutes, geez a fucking break eh!
    I only wanted a rest mate, I seriously felt sick at the shit being aimed Sir Alex.I acknowledge your comments and think they are biased as they should be but generally fair.
    I could arrange the ring at Ratners. lmao
    Nice to see you, too see you nice. lol

  496. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    Oh yeah and King Eric got to see you post back on here mate, however infrequent you do it just make sure you do.

  497. Costas says:

    @GHTT

    I just sent you a mail. Hope it helps.

  498. willierednut says:

    redscot – i hope when you said come on the trotters, did you mean Bolton, or Del boy and Rodney?

  499. Taek says:

    Being a United fan for as long as I remember, I can say from the bottom of my heart – UNITED WILL LOSE IF LET’S BERBA GO… A marvelous footballer we have in him! Put your Tevez-glasses away…

  500. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    what does terry have to do to get called up on cheating

    handball last man back noone around him straight infront of the lines man

    no fucking peno

    unreal

  501. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    @RedDevilzAdvocate Your exactly the type of person I was referring to. Miss your ex-mrs do ya. Don’t expect a comeback from me after this post because I’m done reading shite staements like yours. I’m not blaming the manager for anything you idiot, just take the one point of my post and twist it. And one more thing your opinion doesn’t matter to me. So go pull on a blue shirt and get argie troll on the back of it.

  502. sprite says:

    THAT WAS PENALTY!!!!! I AM SO PISSED RIGHT NOW.. TERRY YOU UGLY FUCKER!!

  503. Costas says:

    Yep. On Saturday we found out that Terry is allowed break a player’s leg. Today we found out that he can use his hands too.

  504. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    LOL @ redscot – If you got sister who’s over 18 send her my way we could become family then lol.

  505. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    @ Costas – He was allowed to use his hands in 05 and 06 as well. How he didn’t get away with the whole Bridge thing after this weeks events I’ll never know.

  506. Passe_Mouraille says:

    Seriously we should give it our all to finish second, it’s just a matter of time before a chelsea are caught of bribing the refs because this is fuc*ing unreal.

  507. bchilds says:

    Was it a definite pen then? I haven’t been watching the game. John Terry in penalty not given shock!

  508. willierednut says:

    NRD – i feel your anger mate. I said in a earlier post, that you would think he had murdered someone. I think he’ll go in the summer, he needs to get away from United for his own sanity.

  509. sprite says:

    it was bchilds, it was clear as the daylight..

  510. james21 says:

    @ Gary
    Yeh but Spurs Fans Boo Michael Carrick I don’t ever remember him doing anything wrong or Teddy Sheringham. Berbatov is booed by Spurs because he left them for us just like Carrick and Sheringham.

  511. Gudjohnsen says:

    Didn’t see the Terry handball but read about it on Skysports live. The commentator there said it was a pen. But I’m not surprised Terry escaped the bullet one more time.

  512. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    bchild
    he was the last man back
    noone around him to block the view of the lines man the ball rolled down his arm shoulder till elbow as seen in slow motion but he got away with another one

  513. Costas says:

    @Notorious

    Fabio Capello isn’t part of the mob obviously.

  514. willierednut says:

    Obi Mikel got a Davies special.

  515. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    No willerednet he shouldn’t leave if not for footballing reasons just so he can piss off these fans who haven’t supported him since day one. They’ve got on his back ever since the media went on about how long it took him to score his first goal, then how long took it him to score his fist league goal. These “fans” forget that after training with his new teammates for about a week 2 minutes into his debut he created a goal @ Anfield of all places. Granted we lost that game but that wasn’t his fault….oh wait it was everything is his fault. Its his fault that the economy is so shit as well, why don’t they blame him for that as well.

  516. redscot says:

    @ willie, lmao you are my type of Fan, I think we are watching the fools and horses, even if they win they have done it by default.Any how as Del Boy said in his beshstest French Accent Sur lo plon Davion.
    Just believe Willie 10 minutes to go including extra time.

  517. willierednut says:

    So close Bolton

  518. Passe_Mouraille says:

    elmander is worthless

  519. willierednut says:

    Chelsea shaky at the back.

  520. Costas says:

    @Notorious

    Out of curiosity. Have the press written half the bashing articles for Robinho than they have for Berbatov? And if memory serves me correctly, Robinho did cost more in the end…

  521. Costas says:

    Argh, if this was 07-08 or 08-09, Bolton would snatch a late equaliser.. :(

  522. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    Costas, no they haven’t mate not to the extent they have at Berbatov. Robinho has got off lightly because he’s Brazilian. The most stupid thing I heard was on Sunday down the pub when some random ABU was going on and on about how shit Berbatov was and how he was the biggest waste of moeny ever. I turned around and said to him 2 Words pal, Andriy Shevchenko he then started kissing up to me at which point I told him to fuck off. Football fans memories are as long as the tabloids headlines from the previous weekend in this country.

  523. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    im gonna change my user name and relax on my terry bashing and take back my years of hating this man through the years on this site for the simple reason that i have a beautiful family that i want to spend my days with and im sure

    that Fucker can get away with murder

  524. redscot says:

    @ notorious I aint got any sisters under 18 I am the youngest , I got 7 older brothers and 3 older sisters, all cunts, that I love with all my heart, but all pure bastards, in the sense of being ignorant and support Sellick.
    My Mother and Father adopted the tick tock idea idea of contraception, just he or she didnae tack.
    Come on you Trotters

  525. sprite says:

    ahaha Joe Cole

  526. bchilds says:

    1-0 Chelski full time, argh!

  527. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    I’m convinced they sacked Terry as ingurland captain and in exchange they handed chelski the double. If there is another terrorist attack in this country please FA headquarters instead of innocent civilians,

  528. Costas says:

    That’s it then. That’s the breaks that they have been getting all season. The odd decision going in their favor and Elmader missing a glorious chance, Now we need them to lose and draw at Spurs and Pool.

    @Notorious

    So true. I was thinking about Sheva recently.

  529. Costas says:

    @GHTT

    Wise idea man. ;)

    I hope Scott will post the Nani interview soon. Something to cheer us up a bit.

  530. bchilds says:

    @Costas

    It could happen mate, I don’t think it will but it wouldn’t be the strangest set of result we’ve ever seen.

    We’ve lost at home to Villa, home to Benfica, away at Burnley – all less likely than dropped points at Spurs and the Dippers.

  531. willierednut says:

    4 points behind, it could be done and dusted on saturday.

  532. Passe_Mouraille says:

    Just add one thing to the list of things John fuc*king C*nt crybaby Terry can do on a football pitch without any ramifications. The list is getting huge now. And to think that several co*knoses like to point out that every desicion always goes our way.

  533. bchilds says:

    Oh yea we need a win at the council house, we have to win our remaining 4 games to be even in with a slim chance of preventing the rent boys renting our trophy for a season.

    Yes that’s right Chelski OUR trophy not yours OUR.

    18>3

  534. redscot says:

    Nite nite boys , enjoyed your great positive comments fucking fabulous as normal, makes me smile and I think all is not dead, and it isnae, so we move on to the Spuds against Le Arse the morro, lets hope. I will look to Mecca maybe god as cursed me for so much masturbating.
    And you can fuck off Willie, lol its gonna cost me a small fortune the night in the boozer.
    It aint over yet although chances are reducing, I never thought i would type this come on you Scousers.
    See you boys.
    Believe just fucking Believe. its not done

  535. bchilds says:

    @Passe_Mouraille

    The ABUs like to do that, try and make out that we get the rub of the green constantly. It’s bollocks, a quick 5min look into the history books shows shocking decision after shocking decision against us.

    The FA always charge our players with far heftier bans/fines than any other club.

  536. maci says:

    rentboys thats all i have to say

  537. Costas says:

    @bchilds

    No it isn’t too strange. And today it seemed like they started feeling the pressure a bit. The problem is that Spurs have 3 days to prepare for them and Liverpool will have the same before their game. They play Atletico on April 29. And it’s not easy playing against 12 men with just 3 days’ rest.

  538. Fze123 says:

    In how many league games have the Chelsea players got away with offences unpunished/not given the correct punishment? In how many games did their oppositions get harshly punished/undeserved punishment?

    These refs are making this league a joke. An absolute joke.

  539. willierednut says:

    Good night redscot, tell Rodney and Del i was asking about them lol.

  540. bchilds says:

    @Costas

    It could happen mate, I don’t think it will but it wouldn’t be the strangest set of result we’ve ever seen.

    We’ve lost at home to Villa, home to Benfica*, away at Burnley – all less likely than dropped points at Spurs and the Dippers.

    ————————-

    Meant Besiktas of course!

  541. maci says:

    Reserves: United 1 Liverpool 0
    COME ON U REDS
    WELL DONE GABRIEL OBERTAN
    BOOM :-)

  542. Fze123 says:

    A link of Obertan’s goal would be much appreciated. :)

  543. Costas says:

    Night redscot. Ever the optimist!

  544. Passe_Mouraille says:

    @bchilds:
    Well that’s the thing mate, most ABUs have no history, so sadly there’s nothing to check into…

  545. willierednut says:

    I think we should forget about the title and just thrash these cunts on Saturday, after all it was great fun beating them in the semi – final of the league cup.

  546. james21 says:

    And J.T finally gets his membership card for the Alan ‘Goldenboy’ Shearer Untouchable Club.

  547. willierednut says:

    Manucho scored the winner for Valladolid, remember him.

  548. Costas says:

    Not trying to deny our mistakes this season, but the standard of officiating this season in the EPL, puts the Greek League to shame, And that says a lot.

    willie is right. Tonight was probably our last big chance to get back in it. Lets beat the bitters now.

  549. Gandalf says:

    Fucking rentboys, it makes me physically sick to think of terry lifting the league.

  550. Joseph says:

    We get it Scott – you’re a Berbatov fan and will find any kind of justification to back him.

    Just don’t talk down to those that don’t rate him now (or in my case – never did).

  551. Dave Mack says:

    FZE123 … I never normally think that ref’s are biased ….. just bad …. but having watched football for 40 years I cannot rember ever seeing a team who get the benefit of ref and linesman “errors” more than Chelski. (Just think of our last two matches at the bridge and Drogba’s winning “goal” against us the other week.)

    You really have to start wondering about Russian mafia money don’t you and with all the sleaze in Parliment …. I’d have to wonder if any of it gets in FA wallets as well. (Evera / Rio etc.)

    O.K> rant over > probably just over frustrated that Bolton came so close to puttimg us back in the frame for the league!!!

  552. rooney the new king says:

    Costas – I don’t want to stand like I am invincible on here but no one seems to want to debate with me and no one seems to seem to give reasons why berbatov has struggled or put a far better constructive reasons how to solve the berbatov problem. I am getting sick and tired of the tevez debate and comparing the both, PPL are repeating themselves yes we get it you like tevez, but berbatov is HERE CAN SOMEONE TRY AND FIND SOLUTIONS AND DEBATE HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF BERBATOV CHRIST I AM ANNOYED UNLESS PPL START COMING UP WITH INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS I AM WASTING MY BREATH TRYING TO BRING THE BERBATOV DEBATE INTO PERSPECTIVE.

    Scott I do not want to blame him but when he creates topicshe isgetting posts to say the say thing, he needs t stop using stats and start questioning the formation fergie is using which berbatov is suffering from and question the strength of the midfield why united struggle to play a 2 man midfield so it helps berbatov

    When berbatov struggled against Chelsea it completely opened my eyes that fergie has been using the worse system to get the best out of berbatov. There have been so many posted but it has totaly masked the minority like me on reasons how to get to the heart of the problem it has frustrated me why not many more are not coming out and factor these considerations on the berbatov problem, does anyone even open their eyes that berbatov cant fit into a 433 system the boss has to take the blame the has not used berbatov’s strength’s but that is not bashing fergie I am seeing it through berbatovs eyes, he likes to play off a striker not lead the line because he likes to link the play.

    And second berbatov has been benched half the time and he is so ineffective when he is expected to come off the bench and try and change the tempo of the game, he is a player that needs to start games not try and change games off the bench. And the biggest problem is our midfield is not strong enough to play 442/424 when berbatov is a 442/424 striker meaning there is a huge problem getting the best out of berbatov, if your midfield 2 are dictating play it gives berbatov the platform to show his qualities, so unless we see a formation change back to 442/424 we will never ever see the best of dimitar berbatov and that in the words of the FSW is a FACT.

  553. lawman10 says:

    that cunt collymore & talkshite will be over the moon now the rentboys have beat bolton.
    now lets go to waste lands & beat the living shit out of them blue bastards!!

  554. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    @ RTNK – I’ve responded many a time about the Berbatov debate directly to you as well. I’m in a foul mood because I’m quitting smoking so heres the solution a DEFENSIVE midfielder,

    Carrick likes spraying balls, he’ll make the odd tackle but thats about it.
    Fletcher is box to box but ISN’T a DEFENSIVE midfiielder.
    Anderson natural position is behind the front man, God only knows why we’ve tried to convert him, my only reasonable theory is he gets a feel for every position before he matures and plays in his natural position much like Fletcher playing right wing in the early days.
    Scholes & Giggs – Legends but not worth discussing.
    Hargreaves – may as well as be dead.

    We need someone who like to stick the boot in and is actually a talented footballer. Essien is a good example much to everyones disappointment so is Mahomodou Diarra when he was at Lyon. I’ve seen a bit of Makoun over the years and we were linked with him when he was at Lille. We have him we can revert back to 4-4-2 because we have 2 midfielders doing the donkey work of 3 especially if Hargreaves resurrects himself and plays along side Fletcher, or we sign somebody else who plays alongside Feltcher or one of the others. This guy has to be starting material a la Valencia and not someone to ween into the team. That leaves Berbatov to come deep, push forwards and unlock doors for Rooney or one of the wingers to score. Theres solution, it is actually that simple.
    Unfortunately there are very few quality midfielders about and the prices are too high to take a gamble. Is it linked to the debt? Possibly? Is it worth the gamble? I’m not the clubs accountant so I can’t tell you.

  555. willierednut says:

    I’ve mentioned Makoun a couple of times, as a possibility because you’re right, there isn’t that many top class midfielders around.

  556. chimshira says:

    guys, i have a quick and easy solution: WHY DONT WE BLAME BERBATOV FOR EVERYTHING THAT WENT WRONG WITH THE SEASON!! that way everyone will have the perfect skapegoat and most fans will be happy…

    the insanity is endless!!! many fair points but i love how people blame him for games HE DOESNT FUCKING PLAY IN and also for games WHEN HE COMES FOR 4 MINUTES AT THE END… while at the same time COMPLETELY REDEEMING EVERYONE ELSE…

  557. xol says:

    The perfect end to a trying season.

    United win the league on goal difference. The Abramovic/F.A stuff gets exposed. Everybody laughs at Chelsea’s inability to win the league with 12 men. Fucking fake club. Fake Mafia wannabe illiterate tasteless undeservedly rich low life scum bags.

  558. Costas says:

    @RTNK

    Well, I would say it’s been a long day mate. Look at this topic. It has 530 comments in one day and United weren’t even playing. I am with you on the Tevez subject. What’s done is done and Berbatov never replaced Tevez anyway. I can see what Scott wants to say when he brings up Tevez(and he brought up Smithy to make the point more clear). There are times when I wish Solskjaer(my favorite United player) was still playing. It can’t happen.

    The question here is pretty simple. And Scott hit the nail on the head in the final paragaph. Is Sir Alex willing to build the team in a way that accomodates Berbatov? If not, then there’s nothing else we can do. It’s better for both the team and the lad if we part ways. I want to see Berba succeed with us as much as anyone, but it’s no use trying to fit a key in a lock if you don’t fix the lock in order to match it.

  559. Xyth says:

    Why the FA never bothered to let us now that they have introduced a new rules for this season: no offsides and no penalties against Chelsea.

    The refereeing has been so bad this season, that one cannot believe it can happen in EPL.
    Chelsea, will not be a worthy winners of the title, having been gifted at least 6 points in two matches against us and tonight against Bolton.

  560. rooney the new king says:

    NotoriousRedDevil – it is not at you but it frustrates me that no one is having a clear picture that the formation currently has been a huge factor why we have never seen the best of berbatov. But what also frustrates me even more is we are seeing this blog being overun on how shit berbatov is and we are seeing to much stats on tevez berbatov etc.

    Since there is not many top class midfielders I would start playing 2 defensive midfielders well I would sign an energetic midfielder who can get stuck in alongside Fletcher that means we have the energy of 3 midfielders, we saw arsenal in 1998 play with 2 powerful midfielders and it is very effective having 2 in the middle that are aggressive, you solve the problem not getting overrun and you can then have 2 upfront, but like I say if united are going to get the best of berbatov we have to see a formation change it is simple has that.

  561. Costas says:

    @RTNK

    By the way, notice how sometimes it’s easier to play it safe with your midfield? Chelsea are on the verge of winning the title and Essien hasn’t kicked a ball for them in 2010. Just because they play a diamond formation to make their midfield more compact. When Fergie measures things, he will have to wonder if it’s easier to play 4-5-1 most of the time or to find a third midfield enforcer to fill in for Fletch and Hargo when they are not playing, so that we keep playing 4-4-2.

    Of course Chelsea play 4-5-2 in most games, but Fergie can’t buy any referee at the moment. They are still mad at him about his comments regarding Alan Wiley.

  562. willierednut says:

    Xyth – I think it’s been a poor premiership in general this season, the so called top four clubs have been inconsistent and it’s no surprise to me that all the English clubs have departed the champions league earlier than usually.

  563. rooney the new king says:

    NotoriousRedDevil – but that is what I am thinking and that is the only solution play 2 defensive midfielders well 2 very energetic all action midfielders to play berbatov and switch back to 442/424, nasty habit there never tryed it and I am healthy has a machine.

    Costas – when Scott said (is fergie willing to build a team to help berbatov thrive) it makes me wonder? if fergie is not willing then it does make you wonder why buy a player if you cant see his talents thrive in a formation that will not help him, and if berbatov cant fit into 433 why go for a player who can only thrive in a 442, say berbatov leaves it may go down in Ferguson history why he even bought berbatov if he is tactically not flexible which has been proven he is only and that means only a 442, bergkamp and cantona are the same in their prime they could never play 433. For me berbatov will go down in united history has one of the unluckiest players, who has suffered from his inability to play in different tactics it is has simple has that.

  564. suhayl says:

    Wasnt going to post……but im fuming like you wouldnt believe…

    We have been poor yes…and its been a poor league yes…and the best of a very bad bunch will win…..its be so hard to take if anybody other than us won it…..but if chelski won every game convincingly until the end of season…we’d have to take it gracefully…

    but ive just seen the highlights…..and by god i cant believe what ive seen

    I thought some guys on here were deluded with clutching at ref decisions and masking our own shortcomings….

    But seriously the FA and premier league want chelski to win it…..and im not joking this aint a conspiracy……this is payback for SAF’s comments and theri hatred for us

  565. willierednut says:

    RTNK – Sir Alex didn’t want to lose face and let City get Berba, so that was one of the reasons imo why we signed Berba.

  566. xol says:

    Costas,
    in an ideal world, those at the FA should be thanking Sir for his observations about Alan Wiley’s lack of ability. It’s an improving league and there seem to be more occasions where 2 in the middle doesn’t seem enough. I think Fergie has abandoned the idea of a Scholes/Keano creator/destroyer pairing. The way so many young attacking midfielders have been played in defensive mid positions, makes me think he’s trying to make the fletchers and Ando’s into super hybrids who like to break down moves but also make useful runs into the box.

  567. Costas says:

    @RTNK

    Wild guess. I think he was thinking about going back to 4-4-2. Especially since he felt that Ronnie would leave 12 months later. Plus, he thought that his midfield options would support 4-4-2. Carrick had a great 07-08 campaign as did Hargo and Ando. Unfortunately all 3 of them failed to recreate their 07-08 form for different reasons and the only midfielder who had a better season last year was Fletcher.

    There were times last season when we played 4-4-2 with Berbatov and looked pretty good. At Arsenal and at City for instance. We were creating many openings in both games and were unlucky to lose at the Emirates.

  568. suhayl says:

    Terry handballs it clearly…..blatant

    coyle ” ive just asked the ref what that was and he said to me shoulder, well terry must have shoulders down to hin ankles”

    Drogba…UNBELIEVABLY PUNCHES THE BALL OUT OF THE BOX..

    coyle ” im sorry, theres somethin wrong here, that you would see in volleyball…no pen??????????????????????????????????????/”

    coyle escorted from press conference…..FUMING

    CHEATING FUCKIN CUNTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

  569. rooney the new king says:

    Costas – it is easier and Chelsea may win the worst premiership I have ever seen since 1997 in terms of quality and teams struggling. But have you noticed in our dodgy phew title drought years of 2004 2006 united were starting to go backwards playing a formation which did not compliment some of our talented players, fergie seems to be doing this again playing a formation where it is not helping the team or some of the players. I don’t care what anyone says this 433/451 formation is not the way forward and it is not a way to get the best of our backup strikers PPL say fergie should have bought a striker what fergie should have sorted out is signing a midfielder.

    willierednut – you are probably right but he should have had a good think if he cant fit into a 433 system then what is the point in signing a striker that is only built to play 442, yes it is easier now looking back but it is not fair on berbatov if you are planning a formation that does not balance or fit the talents of a player like berbatov

  570. Costas says:

    @xol

    That’s the sad part. They didn’t even wonder for one second if Ferguson might have been right about Alan Wiley.

  571. rooney the new king says:

    Costas – also when we have played hargreaves and anderson thats been the only time where we looked to have complete control of the midfield. Even though flether is a beast I loved hargreaves and anderson in midfield that had more so excited waatching united during that time seeing them 2 going into battle it is a shame they are not playing today

  572. willierednut says:

    I think we’re done with 442, we’ll either play 4411, or 433 for next season, with Rooney as our main man.

  573. Costas says:

    Lol, these disgraceful referees have driven Coyle to insanity. I didn’t know that Drogba handled the ball in the first half. *cough* corrupt fa cunts *cough*

    @RTNK

    I’ve missed Ando-Hargo too. They haven’t played together in a 4-4-2 since the win at Anfield in 2007 I think. Don’t know how well they could play together next season. A lot of things have changed since then. I think willierednut is right. That’s how we will be lining up next season. The problem is that we will needa good alternative in case Berba leaves because Wayne will get a knock at some point.

  574. rooney the new king says:

    Costas – I agree with willierednut, I did not mean play the 442 of yesteryears but a formation that has 2 strikers upfront simuler to the 07/08 formation that is what I was getting at. yes I miss hargreaves and anderson in midfield that was a example when you have 2 energetic midfielders where united never got overun you dont need to play 3 and unless you have the talent of barcelona then 433 is never going to look great but water down the team

  575. redscot says:

    @ Law man @22.52 cracking post.. you just dont have to go ON and On. less is more eh Denis.well said
    I wil put my Scots take on it mate,kick the living shit is ok out the Berties, but we are United and conclude, you gotta be afraid. OF COURSE the pretenders are, we are UNITED right boys, lets go there and show them and display to the world and all the competitors, there is only one club to follow.
    History and the clock tick tock.
    Ps some people just dont read the posts others make….. lmao
    I hope you will be there and shouting loud and clear.
    Anyways back to my lagers, and nips and insanity.

  576. your claaasssssssss says:

    No Scott we like players like smith and tevez because when the team are not playing well they are prepared to run around and try to win possession back. We dont like berba because he dosent do this he just walks around as if he does not care what is happening. Berbatov had plenty of chances to make a name for himself at utd but never did cause he is simply not good enough

  577. redscot says:

    @Scott, you let that slip pass, and delete my comment, anyone who is racist, you think we are all donnuffings. Zaddu is allowed to express his feelings right?
    not that i agree with one sentiment but for wooney to call him a Nigga! beggars belief

  578. xol says:

    I see where you’re all coming from with the points about no team deserving the title. All the top 4 have conceded unexpected losses. Dippers have helped create a top 3. Bitters still have their wembley twice per year whilst failing to contest the title. I can see how all these failings make for a pretty poor-seeming season in general, but I also think there’s an improvement in the lesser teams. Although it doesn’t always make a great spectacle, teams have grinded results by parking the bus when visiting the big clubs. It’s something they’ve maybe improved at. It doesn’t matter if we play 4 – 3 – 3, 4 – 6 or 4 – 4 – 2, things often pan out the same in that weaker opposition simply pack their box for the last 30 minutes whilst we look for goals with 11 men in the way.

  579. benb says:

    442 or 4411? who cares? you still need someone in the second ’1′ spot. Berbatov CAN play there. He cant play in 433 or 451, we know that now. We also know that unless you are barca, either one of those formations is boring and not the UNITED style of play. In order to play 442 or 4411 we NEED a new midfield presence. We need someone like gourcuff, or the anderson from brazil- and that’s not going to happen. Sign gourcuff, or even silva. to play this 451 over a season we need two rooneys. is that possible? no? ok, let’s get a creative midfielder.

    Either way, fuck em all, we are united.

  580. javonazul says:

    Berbatov is a good player, whose statistics show he has not been a flop at all (specially this season). He is not the hardest working-looking player because it is not his style, but I’m pretty sure he really wants to help the team. Can anyone say those statistics cleverly shown by Scott are bad? They’re better than Berbatov of Tottham and United’s Tevez. The problem is that he cost 30 million pounds, and you will expect better with all reason.

    Conclusion: He is a good player, who has contributed for united (absolute point of view), but he hasn’t met the standards one will expect from a 30 million pound man (relative point of view).

  581. redscot says:

    lets go to wastelands and beat the living shit oot those blue bastards, nite! enough said.roflmao spot on

  582. redscot says:

    @ 1.14 on the Dark side Fred see you can think it through, just ignore the Canadian cunt most do, on red rants i got booted of the blog cos he called Sir Alec a Scottish wanker, its a red rag to a Bull. And i can be bullish in my posts note your are optimistic. I wont do a rally call i make you laugh, leave it to giles or denis more suited to call the troops for the final thrust, lol

  583. UNITED4life says:

    @Scott the Red
    You have tried everything you can to paint him as good player, better contributed to the united team than tevez and huge improvement in goals (from 9 to 12)wow what an improvment. I mean he himslef did not try as hard as you have done it on his behalf to show he is a good player. whatever stats you can make of it does not change the fact that he is a big time flop, no way near tevez and we better cash him this summer. poor poor player and poor poor even poor stat from you scott. Don’t waste your time with this player.

  584. Dimitar Berbatov is King says:

    The way to make Berbatov play better is just to allow him to play IMO. It’s surprising how he manages to get the goals when he is playing not as much.

    Every time I see him not on the teamsheet means a failed opportunity to gain that mutual understanding. You say some players fits like a glove. Did Ronaldo fit immediately? Surely Wayne Rooney took some time to find his feet into consistency?

    It was surprising how he did with Robbie Keane. Spurs fans had a saying that it was Keane who made Berbatov looked good. I am inclined to agree but it is because they played week in, week out.

    And I echo the sentiments of a need to find a good goalkeeper and to see how our youngsters evolve, with 1 or 2 particular strong signings like a good defensive midfielder. As much as I like Hargreaves, he seems to be either in reserve on a eye for next season or he just fears the pain. I hope it’s the former.

    Oh, and the rentboys suck. I don’t really mind the fans unless they are the glory-hunting type, but seriously, the cunts can commit murder and the FA and their referees will not see it when the rest of the world does. Platini, I hope your decision to not even think about video technology will bite your ass hard in World Cup 2010.

  585. Rooney22United says:

    Anyone seen the picture of Kai Rooney? He has a huge head. N looks like Rooney!!! Hopefully he can grow up to be as good as a footballer as his dad Wayne!

  586. Walk in the Park says:

    its official now!!chelsea gonna win the title…the FA and their official make sure of that!!..

  587. Fred says:

    @RedScot, I think you said something yesterday about me being on “the other site” and I didn’t have a clue what you meant (thought it was just more drunken ramblings!) Now I get it, there’s a fella called “Fred the Red” on another blog. Well that certainly isn’t me and to avoid any confusion I’m coming back tomorrow with a new name.

    Goodnight anyone who is still awake!

  588. Berbatovs' love life says:

    you have to understand that football is more than just stats, there is also the eye test, and it just hasnt worked this season with him. I love Berba but he hasnt linked up with Rooney well, and he just doesnt look like taking a game by the scruff of the neck, which is why he hasnt found himself in big matches. As much as I hate to say it if us selling him allowed us to bring in a Benzema and or silva or Dzeko I would be for it. United play too many big matches to rely on Berba who has NEVER been a big game player

  589. kel says:

    Chelsea got away with 2 penalty. How in the world can the referee not seen it?
    Do the FA letting Chelsea win it by telling the referee not to give anything against them?
    No way United going to win if the referee perform like this all the time.
    All referee afraid of giving penalty anymore?

  590. das says:

    sack fergie, sell berbie

  591. urval87 says:

    @ Costas

    Chelsea play 4-5-2…………….. Classic Mate!!!!! Am just looking forward to enjoying the remaining games after Chelseas daylight robbery last night…… For once we will feel what its like to be in Arsenal or Loserpools place :) Am absolutely convinced that the FA did not want United to win the title…… Fergie may have helped them along the way with Wiley comments…….:(

  592. urval87 says:

    Now since the title is nearly gone, what are your thoughts on giving Hargreaves some good game time? Also we can do a few experiments now to see how youngsters would fit into the team…… any thoughts?

  593. Marq says:

    Not over until it is over.

    I am stumped about our midfield for the derby game, who can we call upon to partner Fletcher in the middle? Rooney on top, Park behind him, Nani and Valencia on the wings, I am short of 1 name to hold the midfield with Fletcher. Who would you guys pump for? Scholes? Gibson? Carrick? Giggs?

  594. Marq says:

    Just 1 thing for CROoney about Berbatov “complaining” about lack of playing time. Go read the interview again and tell me what he said. Don’t you just love it when the media gets to people’s head with fancy titles?

  595. theboogeyman says:

    Dimitar Berbatov is King- To be fair, Wazza scored a hattrick on his debut. :D

  596. Sands says:

    What can anyone say about the enigma that Berba is ? I agree with scott that the lad hasn’t done too much different for his capabilities(betwen spurs and united) but he has definately failed in ppls expectation considering the ridiculous price tag he came on.
    At the end of the day, the gaffer has backed him less and less (not through his words) but rather his from his actions. A half fit rooney lasting past half time against bayern was probably the most damning of verdicts for berba. That has encouraged the berba naysayers and created the kind of atmosphere that was witnessed at blackburn.
    Fergie had relied on berba to lead the team in rooney’s absence and step up , but for various reasons, which include a lack of service and berba’s personality, this didint materialize. At the end of the day, this is probably the main reason why the lad will be shipped out and united cutting their losses on him. Lets face it, he may not have the mindset for united, its not just ability and desire to play for the red shirt that count. The manager has shown countless times in years that for him , the mindset and sttitude is paramount, before all else.
    So the conclusion at the end of the day, is that the alternatives to berba purely in a sporting sense may sound or look better as a partner to rooney.Berba hasn’t met the standards and thus we ought to look forward to improve the club. Standing still would be disastorous in an environment where everyone is improving in the league. At the end of the day the gaffer will decide and his actions have shown his preference loud and clear, unfortunately for Berba.
    So for the sake of the club and its fans, lets unite for once, I am sick of seeing us split on god knows so many issues, …FCUnited, Glazers, Berba…? This cant be good for the club nor the 11 that take the field. Lets keep united and back the 11 who take the field, Berba or not.

  597. aig alex is god says:

    @Marq

    Dont have too many options mate. Would persist with carrick. It will be a high tempo game and giggsy has struggled to make an impact of late, ditto for scholesy. Not too sure about gibson.However given that we will ply a 4-5-1 scholes i think will get the nod with carrick and fletch.

  598. Costas says:

    @urval87

    I think that after the Shity game, and if Chelsea win at Spurs, Fergie can start experimenting a bit. Playing Hargo would be a good idea. Haven’t heard about him the last 2 weeks. I hope he plays against Stoke.

  599. kel says:

    Hargo will play with Fletcher =)

  600. aig alex is god says:

    Playing Hargo with fletch is a good idea but that midfield lacks creativity. Both are top box to box midfielders but our midfield has struggled in the creativity department this season. Most of our attacking play has been down the wings. IF we can play 3 midfielders in fletch and hargo who have incredible energy and like to get in the box and a 3rd mystrey man who can link up with rooney as well as fletch and hargo we will be much more dangerous.

  601. CROoney says:

    at scott – you said how tevez wouldn’t have scored this much if he had stayed..that he would have to be played at the expense of rooney to do that…well he doesn’t have to score 30 odd goals for us…we would have been satisfied with 15-18..

    considering the importance of his goals and what he brings to the game it would have most probably been enough for us to go past bayern and to be at least level with the new champions atm

  602. CROoney says:

    aig alex is good…but fletch has drastically improved his creativity and he has been getting to the right places as of late…hargo is also terrific and crossing and passing with both feet and when you have such a good wingers as we have, then all you need from the central midfield is a good understanding with them in order to set them free to shine …

    btw i would love to see modric here.-..excactly what we need – someone who dictates the game who sets the pace and with brilliant passing and vision…saf also said how he’s a terrific footballer who can play in ANY team in the world…not to mention that he would improve under SAF and with all the current players

  603. brett1985 says:

    This topic has the appearance of a face saving exercise.

  604. stretfordender says:

    Haven’t posted in a while but calmed down a bit now..

    Off topic, went to Moss lane last night to watch our boys beat the Dippers 1-0, 9 point lead now for the reserve boys! Great goal from Gabby, can see why SAF has put him back in the first team squad, looks too good for that level.

  605. james21 says:

    Can we Have a new Blog Scott that doesn’t mention any players Maybe the vast numbers of Injuries we’ve had this season or even better the FA and how they alone have screwed us this season. Anythings better than the usual Blaming Berbatov, I suppose it does get over 600 comments everytime He’s mentioned tho. HMM Very tactical I think.

  606. Gotta hate tiny tears says:

    your claaasssssssss

    berbatov did more off the ball work than anyone against blackburn

    i cant see into my next door neighbours bedroom from mine because there is a wall there so i just accept it. but if i really wanted to see it id just knock a hole in the wall

  607. aig alex is god says:

    @CROoney

    Yes fletch has improved a lot but he and hargo are more hardworking and not out and out attacking midfielders. Modric is a good name you mentioned. The Napoli lad Hamsik with whom we have been linked is a class act too. Scores lots of goals from midfield. We may miss out on him if we wait till the world cup because he may do well with slovakia.

    one more thing is with Anderson. I am CONVINCED he can do a good job in the CAM role which is where he played for Porto but for us he is playing in a different position. Would love to see him get forward a bit more.

  608. Macheda IS GOD says:

    fuckin hell anyone saw gabby’s goal against liverpool?? 2 goals in as many games now!

  609. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Corea, you completely misquoted me to try make a point, that aint doing anyone any good. Im not English, so I amnt gonna slate fans that are from different countries am I? Please quote where I EVER said ANYTHING like that?
    I dont care where fans come from, my point was that some people on here (not all) are clearly supporting United for the last year or two, and some of them are trying to tell some of us that are longer in the tooth that we’re not real supporters cause we can question whether certain players are right for the club?
    My point was that I was around before the golden years, and I’ll be around after they go, and my level of support wont be questioned, which some on here were trying to do by generalising that all fans that dont think Berbatov has delivered are somehow lesser fans. Check every post I ever made on Berbatov, never once abused him, and havent closed the door on his career at United, I just dont think he’s lived up to his potential – a rational enough arguement I would think, whether you agree or not?
    But your comments that what I said made you ashamed, and that I label all fans on here fans for the last 2 years, or that I dont listen to fans from foreign countries? You couldnt be more wrong.
    You wrote about me at 19.14;
    you don’t have to bring childish things like “i think everyone here is a gloryhunter who supports the club for 2 years” in order to prove your point. i know i am a worthless person but i don’t think you are that naive to think that being a true supporter depends on the country you live or the number of years you support your club…
    I NEVER WROTE THAT!!! WHEN DO YOU THINK I WROTE THAT? STATE THE TIME!!! How dare you rewrite something and put it in quotation marks to imply I ever wrote that, and try spin a story to make me look worse, thats just wrong. I never said you’re a worthless person??? What the fuck are on about? Are you trying to get sympathy or get bloggers on here against me by writing that crap? I dont know you or where you’re from or how long you support United, why you thought it was a personal dig at you I’ll never know. Read my posts and you’ll see I tried to make rational and logical posts, and I was the one at the start of this blog that said all it would do is have fans abusing each other, like it did.
    WIll you admit that you misquoted me, that I never mentioned you or anyone else as worthless on here, and finally that I dont give a crap where anyone is from?

  610. Macheda IS GOD says:

    ghtt
    i dont care if he did off the ball work more than anyone WE NEED GOALS not skills

  611. CROoney says:

    aig – i think that anderson offers zero goal threat so that he would be better suited as the deep lying strong playmaker

  612. shak says:

    hes not united calibre and hasnt delivered, is that so fucking hard to understand?!

  613. joe_ro says:

    Just hearing… Hargo out for season. Rooney Fit for City game.

  614. brett1985 says:

    “some on here were trying to do by generalising that all fans that dont think Berbatov has delivered are somehow lesser fans.”

    I agree they are the main trouble makers. I could easily turn round and say those people who fail to criticise players want the team to stagnate and therefore those fans aren’t true fans. Anyone who uses the real fan/true fan terminology is just on an ego trip yet a lot of people buy into it and praise others who use it. It is very divise language and very selfish.

  615. styy says:

    Would be a sad moment if he left, one of our few creative players, would be boring to watch United play without him tbh.

  616. aig alex is god says:

    @CROoney

    I think he can do better but at United he is playing as a CM rather than a CAM. He can develop and i am sure he will score more. To do that he will have to get into those positions first which he is not doing by restricting his style of play. If he gets forward more like scholesy used to he will get more goals

  617. styy says:

    All Berbahaters do is bring up the pricetag, and ignore his qualities, I did my list based on prices too!

    Yeah Anderson is a flop too, sell him. Not worth 20 odd mil.
    Yeah Carrick is a flop too, sell him.
    Yeah Valencia hasnt scored as many as Ronaldo did and we paid almost 20mil for him, sell him.
    Yeah Diouf hasn’t scored enough to justify his pricetag, sell him.
    Yeah Macheda hasn’t scored enough to deserve his salary, sell him.
    Yeah PIG hasn’t played enough to, sell him.
    Yeah Obertan was too expensive for reserves, sell him.

    [/sarcasm]

  618. urval87 says:

    @ stretfordender
    Was that Hargo who played the long ball to Obertan????

  619. brett1985 says:

    styy

    What do you have to say to people who don’t hate him but think he’s a flop.

  620. stretfordender says:

    @ Macheda is God, the link to the goal is hjust a bit further up the page mate.

    @ Urval, no, he wasn’t involved at all, was suprised as wanted to see him, some solid performances again, Obertan could have had another as well. The boy has done well at the reserves and his attitude should be noted!

  621. styy says:

    @ brett1985

    That he certainly isn’t the biggest flop in our current squad at the moment.

  622. MG says:

    Well Reds
    I happened to watch all the match last night and what can I say?

    The two penalties to Bolton were penalties full stop – again just like the non offside decision that wasn’t given for us – the two clear cut penalty decisions were not given to Bolton – I mean thy were not even 50/50 or 60/40 etc decisions – they were clear – no sweat – no problem decisions – I cannot believe what I a seeing before my eyes

    Chelsea get away with the offside goal against us
    Terry gets away with a straight red card against Villa – nasty challenge that the ref should have had no choice over – man he was even close by!
    Chelsea get away with two penalties against them

    `That is in the course of a week and a bit – incredible

    I will not go down the scouser route and complain about conspiracies – but I grin with defiance at the injustice that is being dished out not only to us but to the PL – it is absolutely mind blowing what the refs are up too at the moment – and there I thought that the bad decision that was given against us would even out – I guess I was wrong

    4 matches remain things can change but looking at the refs the last few games against Chelsea I do not think so

    God the refs have done it to us in every Chelsea match this season – this is just beyond unfair – it’s just stupid

  623. Dumb4ss* says:

    WOw, 620 comments and counting. Truthfully, Berbatov seriously need a break from all these crap. IMHO, our midfield should be the talking point here. If we were playing like Arsenal, where Bendtner has been supplied countless of clear cut chances (where he cleary fumbled lots of them from all type of freaking angles) then I would blame Berbatov for being not clinical enuff for our team.

    Yet, the whole team has been pretty shitty since rooney’s absence (except for the 1st half against bayern in OT). When teams parked the bus against us or had a stronger midfield, we always struggled to keep possesion and created anything out of the game. We rarely tested opponent keepers and frustatingly, this has been the case all season. Our goals came in the form of Valencia cross- goal, Valencia cross – goal Valencia cross- goal. Wheres the flair and creativity as well as steelness in our midfield??? Berbatov simply dun have enuff chances and 1 of the reasons is that he had to track back to midfield in order to control the ball and start play from there again bcos our midfield had been so shitty. Whens the last time we saw carrik dribbling past 1 or 2 oopnents and putting a through pass for our strikers?

    the reason that rooney had been carrying our team this season is that because hes simply one of the best players around, he could run back and forth and still manage to score but clearly Berba isnt ofthe same quality and type of player….I hope we could see a 4-4-2 formation again or a 4-5-1 thats good enuff such as barcas.

    Fingers crossed we can still wein the EPL this season.

  624. Jay says:

    i have and will always think that Berba is a wonderful player and i love him.It’s just the hefty price tag that’s totally weighing down on him.

  625. willierednut says:

    AIG – I haven’t seen anything form Ando that suggests he can play in an attacking cm position. His best form for United was, when he played with Hargo in a deeper role and add to that his shooting leaves a lot to be desired.

  626. Jay says:

    and if chelsea do win the title (though i’m still not throwing in the towel)we can proudly say they cheated through it.the FA clearly presented to them at least 9points.

  627. aig alex is god says:

    @willie

    i know mate but he usually has played deeper for us unlike what he did at porto and gremio where he played in an advanced role and got into attacking positions more than what he is doing at United

  628. denton davey says:

    Brett1985 @ 9:55: “I could easily turn round and say those people who fail to criticise players want the team to stagnate and therefore those fans aren’t true fans.”

    I agree; some people don’t seem to understand the concept of “constructive criticism”. I don’t believe that adage “my country right or wrong” that led millions into the trenches in WWI for nothing. And, in terms of UTD – surely a lesser issue ! – chauvinism and blind idolatry are far too frequent among fans. One of the joys of being a UTD fan is that there’s so little to constructively criticize ! However, TheLads have never yet been perfect so there is still a reason to question what we see.

  629. willierednut says:

    brett and Davey – I don’t have a problem with constructive criticism, it’s the morons thatt come out with Berbaflop and all the other names he gets called. ps im not saying yous do that

  630. fogas says:

    OK- leave stats off. Do you think ManUtd has a midfilder and who the hell is he?! And pls dont give me some names totaly far from good soccer as nani, fletcher, carrick …. pls give me a name that a team of the top 1000 in the world would like to buy?

  631. Paul Parker says:

    @ Denton Davey / Brett1985

    I was just about to copy and paste that exact same Post.

    Personally, I think the majority of people BLEATING ON about “true fans”, “glory hunters” and whatever other bollocks… I think most of them haven’t actually been supporting United that long themselves. Who would seriously level the accusation of Glory Hunter at somebody merely saying they think Berbatov has underperformed? Or Rafael is shit? Or Carrick should be sold?

    I’ve read alot of bollocks on here, im sure people think some of my posts are bollocks, but Christ, stop with the “True Fan” thing. The one thing I haven’t said on ROM is “True Fan” because WTF is a true fan and who is in a position to decide? There are fellas on here who’ve never stepped foot in the UK – so are they somehow inferior to the rest of us? Christ, the funniest thing for me is im sure I was Supporting our Club before most of these “True Fans” were even born. I’ve read people say they only started Supporting United a couple years ago. That doesn’t make them any less a Supporter to me, im not even concerned with other Supporters per se.

    This is a Blog, we should discuss things. If some people think player X is good / bad and you disagree don’t log off and wrap yourselves up in your little fucking United Duvet Cover and scream Glory Hunter you silly Cunt lol.

    DEBATE OR FUCK OFF (to be blunt)

  632. Paul Parker says:

    @willierednut

    I can see why you say that about Ando, but as im sure you know, before he came to United he was like a Brazilian Scholes of Old scoring Bangers from outside the box. He is a true bred attacking mid if ever I’ve seen one (before he joined us) But Alec has tried to add another side to his game (defence)

    I think he’ll come good. Look at Nani, Alec is forcing him to play on his LEFT even though its not his best position. It took me a while to realise why but earlier this season I worked it out. Alec wants him to still run to the byline and whip in a cross (which Nani has proven he can do on either foot) But he places him on the Left because he also wants Nani to be able to cut in-field in the final third (on his favoured Right) and take more shots at Goal. When Nani is on the Right Flank he can still run to the byline and cross but when he cuts in on his Left Foot its a weaker shot.

    Ronaldo plays the same way for Madrid on occasion, out on the Left cutting in on his Right. For Nani its making him a better player because he can return to the Right any time we need him, and the better he gets on the Left flank the more dangerious he plays.

    Im assuming (and hoping) its the same with Anderson, I think he wanted to instill DEFENCE in him so we don’t end up with a Ronaldinho who gets forward but never back. As we’ve seen from Ando he can def stick a boot in and keep quality players quiet. We’ll see his chains off soon.

    Alec was right abot forcing Nani out Left, hopefully he’s right about holding back our Attacking Mid.

    Because thats who Anderson is, the answer to our Berbatov problem.

  633. Corea says:

    @North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row – hello. please read again your post April 13, 2010 at 13:00.
    I am not from an english speaking country so i can misinterpret at times what people want to express. But i KNOW that when you express YOUR opinion you should say “i think”. it is the way to say things respectfully. All you have in that post of yours is like expressing some general truths and it is not the case.
    you say
    “Me and my mates live and breath United”
    and then this
    “and I certainly wont have my dedication questioned by some posters on here who are clearly following United the last few years only”
    is it the way to express things respectfully ? in my opinion one thing that you shouldn’t do while posting is GENERALISE. And of course if you continue your sentence mentioning how much some follow United on here it just makes you wonder.
    When i put my interpretation of the general idea you expressed in your post in quotes i just wanted to emphasise how i understood your post. yes, it was a bit harsh on you and please excuse me for this. But you just shouldn’t bring this things into discussion. It’s just not right. Even if you just try to defend your right to have your personal opinion on things.

  634. Marq says:

    @Corea,

    Just ignore him, if you’ve been following all the posts, you’d see most of his posts lack abit of respect for people in the language he uses

  635. Costas says:

    @willierednut

    Same here. It’s not about fans who have a problem with Berbatov and go about it in a respectful manner. Some others just call him a flop and actually have fun at him “not making” it at United.

    Fans who critisize players in a fair manner are not less fans than others.

  636. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    Corea – its one thing to misinterpret, its another to make up your own quotes and impy I said them. You were well out of order with the way you tried to paint a racist picture of me to strengthen your position.
    The reason I said I wont have my dedication questioned by some posters who are clearly only supporting United a year or two is because as Ive stated before Ive supported United through thick and thin, and know what its like when we arent that successful, Im here for the long haul. Ive earned the right to say if I think any player isnt up to scratch in my opinion – and thats not saying I abuse any player, check any of my posts and you wont find anything resembling a slur. I dont care if someone that started supporting United yesterday said Berbatov, or anyone else, is or isnt good enough to play for United. What I do care about is when someone, especially someone who supports United a wet week, states that me or anyone else saying that any player, Berbatov or otherwise, isnt good enough to play for United, that we arent true supporters??? Thats absolute horse shite and I wont have it, just so people can try take the moral high ground on any arguement.
    Its one thing for you to hide behind speaking a foreign language (even though your written English is very good so I have my doubts how much you misinterpretted), but you know full well that you cant use quotation marks and make up a statement on what you interpretted and then imply thats exactly what I said, no matter what language you speak. That was very weak, and you tried to make me out to be some xenophonbic moran, you were completely wrong and out of order. Read my posts again, I was one of the more rational and level headed regarding this issue, and I recognise everyones right to an opinion on the issuen both for and agianst, but thats different than them automatically forming an opinion on me and the others that doubt Berbatovs contribution. You added fuel to the fire. Think next time before you write something so damning.

  637. Danillaço says:

    Well, I have some considerations about the matter, but is hard to say something when the thread is on fire, and people disrespecting each other like that. C’mon now, We’re all United fans, and this I’m more United than you, is really childish.

    The main thing in the Berbatov x Tevez conundrum is that Berba is skillfull and slick as ever, but he can’t win games by himself and score vital goals like Carlitos did when he was with us.

    See, to talk about this question we have to forget the pesonal traits of each one and concentrate on the player, what he does on the field, because if we consider the person we could never say Tevez was better, he’s just an ignorant, backstabbing cunt who deserves all the lack on titles and honors in the years to come.

    But as a player, he gave everything on the field ans score in vital games, we had in him a player that could scores and win in the most difficult games like we had on Rooney or even Ronaldo. Remember, Chelsea, LiverFool or Lyon to be more exact? That’s the thing Dimi can’t do. He’s rarely a main figure in big games and that’s why he get stick.

    No doubt he’s talented, and a true fan, but don’t fit the system like Tevez did or link up with Rooney like the amazing season we had in 07/08. Berba is top 10 striker, but did you check the opositions or the scorelines? Hardly the games we dependend only in his goals to win or huge games where the great players prevail.

    I like the Bulgarian so much, but the Argentinian was really loved as well when he was one of us.

    We need a player to can score in big games when we don’t have Rooney, Tevez could do that. Berbatov so far can’t. Sadly.

  638. Corea says:

    @North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row – i don’t like to quote someone 10 times in a post. i am not here to make career. i am not here to make friends anymore because i have some already. if i had more time i would have continued our dialogue but i have much important things to do. at the end of the day it’s only internet. but i didn’t like the way you tried to prove your point here, i am not a person who supports United for a couple of years and i am not the one who slates every poster who dares to express his negative attitude towards a player or another. you used generalisation in order to prove your point and it’s AINT right.
    Did i add fuel to the fire ? Nonestly i don’t think so. The agrument continued the next day so i don’t see this side. I am human and i didn’t like the manner of your post.
    Don’t tell me what to do and i won’t tell you where to go. (c)
    Have a nice day.

  639. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    You dont like to quote someone 10 times in a post, so you make up a quote instead? Very clever.
    The amount of tripe that was written on here yesterday from both sides, and you picked out me making a generalisation to show whats not right? Did you read some of the comments on both sides? You are human and didnt like the manner of my post, but the rest of them were acceptable to you?
    I’ll tell you what to do if you misquote me again. Apart from that, dont refer to me on here again, and you can say whatever you want.

  640. AlphaRS says:

    @North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row
    Have to agree there. As I said to giggs11gerrard0 earlier in the thread….
    “I can’t be asked with all these slanderous accusations that you aren’t a real fan if you don’t think Berbatov fits in to the United system or that you know nothing about football if you don’t think Berbatov is class. I have a season ticket and that is more than I can say than some. Not that it makes me any more of a fan. It just get’s stupid and out of hand. Simply saying Berbatov is “class” or “shite” isn’t good enough. But if you are backing up your opinions with soundly thought out arguements I don’t see what the problem is. This is a blog after all.”

  641. willierednut says:

    It’s getting bitchy now, time for everyone to step back and cool the jets.

  642. North Stand,Tier 3,Back Row says:

    you’re not wrong willierednut.

  643. stpercival, the former john ferry says:

    Come on lads we are better than the scouse, $hity, madrid, or chelski fans put together…lets never forget this.

  644. redscot says:

    @Fred. I apoligise yes It was a bit of ramblings, sorry for confusing you with this other person,It’s just that you and this other fellow have similar writing style’s but I made an assumption wrongly.Please as I said accept my apoligies.It was although just a little bit of fun.I shall try and pick you with your new name! lol

  645. Fred says:

    Haha, redscot, no need to apologise pal. I wasn’t offended or anything I was just setting the record straight to avoid any confusion.

    As you can see I couldn’t think of a new name!

  646. cordines says:

    Facts don’t prove anything Scott! You might have heard that from Mr. Benitez.

    United will be better playing with ten men than with berbatov on the pitch. As much as I hate to admit it, berbatov is really a 30million flop. I have covered for him last season but this season he has been abyssmal. If Ferguson made the right decision and opted for Tevez instead of Berbatov we would not have lost 2-1 last season at Anfield, we would have defended the Champions League and are on our way of a 4th consecutive title.

    Even Ferguson knows that he made a mistake- he doesn’t name Berbatov in his starting XI against the big teams!

  647. AlphaRS says:

    AlphaRS, you cannot compare performance in different teams. Beside, it is interesting how did you call Tevez’s performance last year at the end of the season? Did you call it “flop” or “disapointment”, or was crying “sign him up” together with the crowd?

  648. Jay Aye says:

    I simply don’t get it – should a record signing striker be scoring important (and easy!) goals or missing them regularly?

    Sorry sir, taxi for Dimitar!

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT BELOW





  Problem with comments? Please read our comment policy.