English Premier League: Berbatov earns praise from Fergie
After United’s three goals to one victory over Scottish giants Celtic in their pre-season matchup, Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson has come out and praised Dimitar Berbatov’s excellent performance in pre-season match between the two British powerhouses.
Manchester United are currently on their pre-season tour to U.S.A, Canada and Mexico. The match between United and Celtic took place in Toronto, Canada. Manchester United play their next match in U.S.A against Philadelphia Union. Dimitar Berbatov, who recently announced his retirement from international football with Bulgaria, was United’s standout player in their pre-season opener.
Berbatov scored one goal and assisted the other two that United scored on the day against former Scottish champions, Celtic. Berbatov’s performances for United have not been consistent so far, after joining the red devils in the summer of 2008; Berbatov has only managed 26 goals in 86 appearances. Manchester United’s fans have criticized him for his below par displays which have lacked effort and determination at times.
There have been rumors surrounding the Bulgarians future at United. However, after the United’s recent victory Ferguson praised the star striker by saying that, Berbatov got the man of the match award and he deserved it. Fergie said that the Bulgarians performance was excellent throughout the match.
Berbatov, who is renowned for his ball control was further approved of by his manager as he stated that, during the second half of United’s match against Celtic in Toronto, the star striker produced numerous fantastic moments. Fergie also added that Berbatov has class and no one can take that away from him despite all the criticism that has been aimed at him.
He elaborated by saying that none of the criticism that has come towards the Bulgarian player has come from United’s own camp. He added that when people at Manchester United see a performance like Berbatov’s against Celtic, they know that they have the right player with them in the squad.
Ferguson started some of the youngsters in the match and they performed quite well. Diouf and Wellbeck started alongside Berbatov in a three-pronged attack for United. Later on United’s young Italian striker, Frederico Macheda was also introduced into the game. At the back Ferguson started with Jonathan Evans and Chris Smalling, United’s manager also started the two Brazilian fullbacks at his disposal, namely Rafael Da Silva and Fabio Da Silva.
In the striking department, United’s main striker Wayne Rooney is currently on a holiday after the FIFA 2010 World Cup and their new signing Mexico’s Javier Hernandez is scheduled to join the club in the last week of July. At the back Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the match because of an injury and Nemenja Vidic was absent as well, because of his holiday break, which began after the World Cup.
United’s manager said that, the club is currently happy with the strikers that are in the squad at the moment. He also said that the young players did well against Celtic. He further added that the defense was rocky during the match because of the several changes at the back for the Manchester club. Fergie also expressed his satisfaction with Chris Smalling’s displays, saying that Chris is a good footballer who can pass the ball and is quick on the field as well.
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