Manchester United Transfer Rumors: If Berbatov Leaves, Red Devils Will Be OK

Manchester United has a gem in Dimitar Berbatov—and his agents know it.

In an interview with SkySports, Ivan Dobrinov, a member of the firm that represents Berbatov, has confirmed there has been contact with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a potential return for the Bulgarian striker to the Bundesliga club.

Berbatov played with Bayer Leverkusen from 2001-2006.

While manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been reluctant to play Berbatov this season (he's only made eight appearances in 19 league fixtures), he's made his time on the pitch count, scoring six goals in Premier League play, a goal against Benfica in Champions League play and a goal in the club's Carling Cup campaign.

Letting Berbatov go would be a blow to United's roster and certainly remove depth the club needs to chase City for the league title and still be successful in the Europa League, but it wouldn't be a deathblow to let the rarely used striker go.

Why?

For starters, because he'll most likely leave England. A move to Germany or Russian club FC Anzhi Makhachkala (as MirrorFootball.co.uk has rumored) would make it so United wouldn't have to face him outside of exhibitions and Champions League play.

But more importantly, there are several strikers waiting in the wings for an opportunity to show they have what it takes to play on the Premiership stage.

Javier Hernandez (or Chicharito) is a 23-year-old Mexican phenomenon who has only made 43 league appearances since joining the club in 2010. However, he's been every bit as proficient in his time at Old Trafford, scoring 19 goals in league games.

When called up for Champions League play, he's been exceptional, scoring four goals in 13 appearances.

Danny Welbeck is a 22-year-old graduate of United's youth program and earned his first cap with the senior team in 2008. He was loaned out to Sunderland last season and played in more than half of the club's league games.

Now, he's a regular on the pitch, earning appearances in 14 of the first 19 league matches and playing in two of the club's Champions League matches. He's an energetic player in the open field and strong in the box, leading to four goals in Premier League play and two in Champions League play.

If Ferguson sees fit to let Berbatov go, Red Devils fans should rejoice—he'll probably fetch upwards of £15 million, money that can be spent to shore up an inexperienced back line of defenders.