Dimitar Berbatov’s form still leaves room for Wayne Rooney
As Dimitar Berbatov walked off the Old Trafford pitch to rapturous applause following his sensational hat-trick against Liverpool on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson was left to ponder where this leaves Wayne Rooney.
It’s been a period of rejuvenation for the Bulgarian, who endured two years of criticism from the media and fans alike after arriving at the club from Tottenham in September 2008. Berbatov has begun the season in scintillating form, and his treble against Manchester United’s great rivals increased his tally to seven goals in just six matches.
Often slated for his languid style on the pitch, and perceived as lazy, all Berbatov needed to add to his game were goals and a notable increase in his work ethic. The 29-year-old announced his international retirement in the summer, which appears to have worked wonders for him, and right now the United No. 9 is playing with such confidence that he’s able to produce moments of sheer, unadulterated class every time he takes to the field.
However, for his world-renowned strike partner it’s been another month to forget.
The 24-year-old was the driving force behind United’s last campaign, scoring a hugely impressive 34 goals, and stepped into the big boots left by Cristiano Ronaldo with aplomb.
But an ankle injury at the end of March against Bayern Munich hit Rooney in the middle of his purple patch – and it clearly had a detrimental effect going into the World Cup finals. Last season was undoubtedly Rooney’s most productive since joining the Red Devils as a fiery 18-year-old in 2004, but he was a shadow of his normal self in South Africa and failed to make an impact on the world stage.
After last season’s heroics, Ferguson and every United fan were hoping for the real Wayne Rooney to emerge at the start of the latest Premier League campaign. Unfortunately for them, that simply hasn’t happened yet.
Not only has he failed to score from open play so far this season, he’s also struggled to shrug off his sub-standard World Cup form. One or two glimpses of the normal Rooney aside, it’s been a troubled four weeks for the England international, who has produced his best displays of the campaign while on international duty.
A series of lurid tabloid headlines led to reports that his marriage was in jeopardy, and Ferguson controversially omitted Rooney from his squad to face Everton in the aftermath of the allegations on the basis that the player suffers “terrible abuse” whenever he returns to Goodison Park.
In his absence, Berbatov was deployed in an unfamiliar role as a lone-striker against the Toffees. He didn’t disappoint.
The former Tottenham forward was busy throughout, retained possession expertly and duly got himself on the scoresheet with a goal of the month contender. Although United allowed a two-goal lead to slip in added-time, this wasn’t a direct result of Ferguson’s decision to leave out Rooney. Berbatov had been superb.
The £30million Bulgarian praised his manager after the Liverpool match for persisting with him despite the constant doubts over his calibre in his first two seasons at Old Trafford. His comments were rather surprising really, given that Berbatov found himself on the substitutes bench for United’s biggest matches last season.
In the Champions League in particular, Ferguson tends to utilise a 4-5-1-c*m-4-4-3 formation, leaving room for only one out-and-out striker.
And with La Liga table-toppers Valencia due at Old Trafford at the end of the month, the United boss now has a dilemma. On current form, Berbatov is indispensible and must start, while Rooney would subsequently be forced to make way.
However, it must be remembered that Berbatov tends to produce his best displays while playing alongside another striker. Against Liverpool, Ferguson started both Rooney and his in-form Bulgarian strike partner, and the proof was in the result.
When Ronaldo was busy stealing the headlines in that memorable 2007/08 campaign, Rooney would often find himself shunted out on to the left wing, providing the service for the Portuguese star and Carlos Tévez, instead.
But after last season’s return, it would be a waste to leave Rooney out on the flank. Although the player himself would be more than willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the team, it was clear from last season that the Croxteth-born striker was enjoying his football in his preferred role upfront more than he’d ever done before in his professional career. And the Red Devils duly benefitted.
Perhaps using Rooney as an impact substitute for the time being could work in United’s favour, while he rediscovers his best form. But one thing’s for certain, if Ferguson opts against playing Rooney in his natural role, he will be denying himself the services of one of the world’s best strikers.
The United boss was lauded for keeping faith with Berbatov, now he must be prepared to do the same with Rooney.
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