January Transfer Window: Why Berbatov Shouldn't Leave Old Trafford in January

Dimitar Berbatov's performances against Wigan and Fulham could be described as "come and get me" plea to anyone who will listen, but could Fergie consider keeping the Bulgarian striker at Old Trafford?

Since the previous transfer window slammed shut, there have been a host of clubs linked with Berba, including Paris St Germain, Valencia, Fulham, Galatasaray and Anzhi Makhachkala. However more recent reports have linked the player with a return to his former club, Bayer Leverkusen.

Berbatov's contract expires in the summer, so United have to make a decision on whether or not they want to offer him a new one by January 2. Otherwise the Bulgarian can accept contract offers to move for free in the summer.

While many have speculated that Berbatov is in search of first-team football, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has previously stated that Berbatov is still part of his plans. Back in November, Setanta Sports reported the following from SAF:

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You need a good number of strikers in the modern day. If you look back to 1999, we had four great strikers. They all played their part. That is exactly what will happen today.

"

While Rooney, Berbatov, Chicharito and Welbeck may not have the chemistry of the partnerships of Cole, Yorke, Sheringham and Solskjaer, you can see where Ferguson is coming from. Berbatov fits into the United tapestry, and SAF has no reason to pull out that particular thread.

Last season Berbatov won the EPL Golden Boot despite never really being United's first-choice striker. He racked up 20 goals in 32 appearances, including hat-tricks against Birmingham and close rivals Liverpool, and of course his magnificent five goals against Blackburn in a 7-1 drubbing at Old Trafford.

One of the most endearing aspects of Berbatov as a person as well as a player is his attitude toward his manager and club. Despite his lack of games, Berba doesn't go crying to the press disrespecting his manager's decisions. He doesn't insist that he should be starting every game, and he doesn't get caught up in any of the other off-field drama that most other players in the EPL do.

What he does do is prove himself on the field. Following his hat trick against Wigan, he won't be insisting that he starts or suggest that he's better than Rooney, Chicharito and Welbeck. What he will do is bide his time and wait for his next opportunity, and then prove himself again.

Even fans have questioned why Berba hasn't been starting (and believe me, I know the pain of having him in your fantasy football team), but Dimi himself has not.

Every manager wants players like this, players that will accept their decision, not complain about it and grab their opportunities with both hands. I have nothing but admiration for players like Berbatov, who put the club's interests before his own.

Will Berbatov still be playing in a red shirt come February? I hope so.