Manchester United Show Dimitar Berbatov Is Welcome, But Not Needed

In the immediate aftermath of Manchester United's comfortable 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park last night most fans reflected on what was a well earned three points that keeps United in touch with the early pace-setters Liverpool and Chelsea.

Although he refused to name names, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the club was working hard behind the scenes to secure the signature of a player, believed to be want-away Spurs striker Dimi Berbatov.

I am not the only one who would like to see an end to this long-running saga. Tottenham have realised that they need to sell their prized asset who has lost his motivation for life at White Hart Lane as the bright lights of Old Trafford await.

Manchester United could probably do with another forward but I personally remain sceptical as to whether Berbatov is the right man for the job. In any case, Manchester United showed what they can do even with a make-shift forward line.

The key to success for Manchester United in recent seasons has been the flexibility, fluidity and versatility of their attacking options. Players such as Rooney, Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Giggs, Nani and even Anderson and Darren Fletcher last night are able to interchange and swap positions at will with the aim of pulling opposition defenders out of place.

It is a tactic which seems to have served the Old Trafford club well over the past two seasons.

My worry is where Berbatov would fit in to this system. The players I mentioned above, especially Rooney, Tevez and Anderson are really prepared to work hard for the side pressing defenders and chasing down loose balls. This is not something you often see Berbatov doing.

And with new goal-scoring sensation Darren Fletcher on fire in front of goal perhaps United don't need Berbatov's goals after all!

Berbatov is clearly a class act who has played really well at Spurs for two seasons. It seems likely that he will complete his transfer to Manchester United before too long and he could prove to be another effective option up front for Sir Alex but I remain unconvinced as to whether his style of play can be integrated successfully to United's—I would be glad to be proved wrong, however!

And when Manchester United have their full quota of attacking options once more perhaps the need for a striker won't be as strong.

So what does everyone else think? Do Manchester United really need a new striker? And is Berbatov the right man?