Berbatov Buried? Manchester United's Failed Hero Has Future at Old Trafford

In any heroic tale there is always a protagonist duly entrusted with the fate of the free world, destined to save the planet or realm from certain destruction.

Whether it be Frodo's dangerous journey to Mordor in Lord of the Rings or Jack Bauer's ruthless endeavours to uncover weapons that may harm Los Angeles in 24, our hopes fall on certain individuals who possess inherent characteristics that propel them towards greatness.

Certainly in football, we have these heroic characters too, men whose sole responsibility resides in carrying a squad towards glory, satisfying the hope and will of their manager, and the throngs who support them in the stands.

This undue pressure typically causes the hero to reflect on his quest, question his motives and wonder whether he is ready for the challenges that await him. True heroes are able, with the help of trusted companions, to overcome this doubt and press onwards.

At Old Trafford, the role of the hero this season has been displayed in the majestic figure of Wayne Rooney, whose individual exuberance and courage embody the characteristics necessary to overcome the adversity teams face in the title race.

Since Rooney's ankle injury at the Allianz Arena, Manchester United have needed an adequate replacement, a man to seize the initiative and rally those around him who were still visibly shocked from being dumped out of the Champions League.

Berbatov however, displays none of the traits which make Rooney the leader that he is. Sure, he could attempt to re-create his bullish attitude and maturity by tracking back and helping out his teammates, but such actions are not within his makeup.

After two lackluster performances against Chelsea and Blackburn, Berbatov's role within the team is being rightly questioned. Unable to assume the responsibility of being United's main attacking outlet, the Bulgarian symbolises a disoriented, shell-shocked victim rather than a glorified saviour.

As disappointing as Berbatov has been this season in front of goal, Ferguson and United's supporters must not be too hasty in any decision to terminate his stay with the team.

After all, Berbatov's experience at White Hart Lane provides significant evidence that he can succeed in the English game. Forming a successful partnership with Robbie Keane, Berbatov was able to carry Spurs close to Champions League qualification.

So why hasn't the Berbatov experiment worked at Old Trafford? This is a query that have left many non-plussed, given Berbatov's clear talent as a selfless partner to a more clinical finisher.

If we are to accept this, then Berbatov may serve as nothing more than an overpriced Emile Heskey, but that should not be a criticism to be levelled at United's No. 9. After all, this partnership has allowed Rooney to continue his club form for the Three Lions, giving an entire nation hope of glory in South Africa this summer.

Unfortunately, United have adopted a more pacy approach with a fluid 4-5-1 system that encourages fleet-footed wingers to support a lone Rooney. Berbatov's languid style feels rather out of place in such a formation.

However, Berbatov is still an important member to United's success. Manchester United may very well steal the title from under Chelsea's nose this season, but it is clear that the team is heading into a transition period where the last remnants of Fergie's Fledglings will eventually be cast out, and new blood will be needed to lead United in the charge for domestic and European supremacy.

Aside from Rooney, United have at their disposal three untried youngsters up front in Javier Hernandez, Mame Biram Diouf, and Federico Macheda. All three have very little to no experience in playing in the Premier League or in Europe.

Michael Owen, whose unfortunate knee injury curtailed his bright start to his United career, will further place doubt upon his ability to stay healthy in the foreseeable future and be a reliable asset to United's cause.

Those who are anxious to cast Berbatov aside for the next starlet in the making must therefore remain cautious. Fergie's priorities should remain in replacing the aging duo of Scholes and Giggs rather than spending copious amounts of money on a striker yet to be acclimatised to the rigours of English football.

As such, talk of Valencia's David Villa coming to Old Trafford should be set aside. At 28, the Spanish forward is too old to garner an expensive price tag and subsequently goes against United's new transfer policy, one that is built on securing young talent at reasonable cost.

Berbatov may frustrate and anger supporters who loved Carlos Tevez's willingness and urgency, but Fergie still regards him as an integral player whose individual skills are unlike any of those on the current roster. Trying to sell him would be a mistake and would likely undo any continuity that Ferguson is trying to implement, as evidenced by the recent contracts given to Paul Scholes and Edwin Van Der Sar.

So don't be too quick to press the ejector button on Berbatov's United career. United need him more than we think.