Manchester United Transfer News: Dimitar Berbatov Snubbed for Anthony Martial

Former Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov reportedly offered his services to the Red Devils in an attempt to relieve the club’s striker shortage before the summer window shut. But United went out and signed his former Monaco team-mate Anthony Martial instead.

According to the Sun via the Daily Mirror (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star), the languid Bulgarian was keen on a move back to Old Trafford, but the club were concerned about the 34-year-old’s age. He eventually joined Greek outfit PAOK. Berbatov had enjoyed a decent spell at United previously, winning two league titles while playing for the Red Devils.

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Although he’s never been a forward known for his dynamism, Berbatov’s form has tailed off since he left English football. As we can see here, courtesy of WhoScored.com, the Bulgarian struggled for the Ligue 1 side last season:

Martial may have been perceived as just as much of a gamble in the latter stages of the window, with United agreeing a deal that could rise to a whopping £58 million with Monaco. But the early signs are that the 19-year-old Frenchman has all the tools to be a big success for the Old Trafford outfit.

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In just three appearances, Martial has shown plenty of class. The forward is blisteringly quick, bullish on the ball and has the intelligence to find space between defenders. In addition, despite the pressure that has accompanied his move to the Premier League, he’s not looked overawed in the slightest despite his tender years.

As noted by Alex Shaw of ESPN, Martial seems to be taking everything in stride since becoming the most expensive teenager ever:

He’s already making a telling contribution for the Red Devils too. In the early stages of the season, Louis van Gaal’s team were a little one-dimensional in their forward forays and often bereft of the vibrancy that has become synonymous with United over the years. But with Martial dovetailing well with Memphis Depay, that edge is back.

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Perhaps most importantly of all, Martial knows where the back of the net is, and he’s proving himself as one of European football’s finest young goalscorers, per Squawka Football:

As bad as things looked for United in the final embers of the window, bringing Berbatov back into the squad would have been a poor move. The Bulgarian may have been a popular figure at Old Trafford during his time there, but despite showcasing glimpses of raw genius at Monaco, he’s now a faded force and not up to the standards the Red Devils require.

While Berbatov represents the past, Martial undoubtedly represents the future, and although it’s early, it’s tough not to get excited about the young Frenchman’s remarkable potential. While there were some concerns about the amount paid for the Monaco man, those doubts have been whittled down substantially after his sparkling early outings.