Bulgarian striker nets in three.It was a classic Sunday encounter which many would remember. Sir Alex Ferguson was criticized for bringing Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov for a £30.8million price-tag ncouple of years ago from Tottenham Hotspurs. And that too filling in the void Cristiano Ronaldo left.But yesterday’s hat-trick act by the Bulgarian at Old Trafford was something which Ronaldo would have found hard to emulate. After having spent a uninspiring last two seasons where he just scored 14 and 12 goals respectively, Berbatov this time around is a rejuvenated player. Putting ahead the Red Devils ahead just three minutes before half-time he executed a second in the 59th with a stunning overhead kick which would be etched in public memory for a long long time. Just when United seemed to have got complete control of the match after this 2-0 lead Liverpool were thrown a lifeline by United’s frailty in defence as Steven Gerrard scored twice in six minutes midway in the 64th and the 70th the first from the penalty spot and a 20-yard free-kick, both awarded for fouls on Fernando Torres, to put his side in sight of a point. But Berbatov who gave a masterclass in striker art yesterday was the man of the moment again slotting in a perfect header to the bottom corner of the net in the 84th minute and silencing those critics who cried that ManU had been throwing away vital points too easily especially after their 2-2 draw with Fulham and the one against Everton when they conceded 2 injury time goals to finish with a draw after having led 3-1 in the 90th minute. This is not to take away credit from ManU winger Nani who was dazzling in the wings with able support from a very impressive Giggs. Match number 155 between these two English giants will be remebered for a long time to come.Berbatov was surprisingly left out of the United squad for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew's, but Ferguson explained the striker's dilemma after the game.He said: "Dimitar wanted to play with it but we felt we should try to get it (the knee) sorted and get him fit again. He may have to have an exploratory operation."
Of his side's display after Darren Fletcher has been sent off, Ferguson added: "We were down to ten men for the last part of the game but in the first half we played absolutely brilliantly and dominated the match."It was a travesty to go in at half-time 1-0 down after they scored with their first attack. It was a sickener but it's important not to let your head go down. We kept battling away and deserved a point.
"We spoke about remaining patient at half-time because 45 minutes is a long time.
"We've won so many games late on so we shouldn't worry about being 1-0 down. We've faced that situation many times."
dimitar berbatov 2010
dimitar berbatov 2010
dimitar berbatov 2010
dimitar berbatov 2010
dimitar berbatov 2010
