Reply to "Berbatov: World of Difference"

Indeed, there IS a world of difference from when Dimitar Berbatov is and isn't on the pitch.

First off, let's start with the fact that the only game that Manchester United have lost this season was a game that Berbatov didn't start in (vs Burnley).

The only other game that Berbatov hasn't started in (in regards to the league) was vs Arsenal. Both games are showcases for United struggling in attack.

In general, United play much better and more organized attacking football with Berba on the pitch than off. Why? Because no one is better than him at receiving the ball in an advanced position, holding it, and then relaying that forward to someone in a better position.

The game vs Arsenal is a great example of how much Manchester United can miss Berbatov in attack. United simply could not keep possession when going forward, and by the end of the first half were reduced to just booting the ball up the pitch in the hope that somehow Rooney would get it.

The game vs. Besiktas is another example of United struggling when going forward. Remember how frustrated Wayne Rooney was? Then vs Wolfsburg, he proved to be the impetus in attack again with a great performance after coming on for Michael Owen.

What you have to understand is the complexity of being a forward and the numerous ways in which one can be effective playing in that role, not just for himself but for the TEAM. That's what Berbatov does, he plays for the TEAM.

What Berbatov does is create apprehension in the opposition's backline. His mere presence causes defenders to get dragged out of position and open up holes in the defence, thereby letting Rooney and co. to take advantage of the situation.

He usually receives the ball, drags about two or three defenders out of position, opens up a lane for Rooney or someone else, and then plays them in. That's why he had more assists than goals last season.

Do you think it's just by coincidence that Rooney has scored this many goals already this season? No, it's because Berbatov is on the pitch with him, helping the team win. It's plain and simple to see, Manchester United play better because of Berba.

Also, and I've said this before and it still happens this season, his runs don't get answered. The next time you watch a United game, keep your eyes on Berba the entire time and not on the player with the ball at that moment. You'll see the number of times that he's left with his arms in the air, begging for the ball, only for it to never come to him.

Another thing that people (wrongly) blame him for is United having a low tally of goals scored last season, but that wasn't his fault. In fact, believe it or not, it was the fault of the now-departed Cristiano Ronaldo.

He performed out of this world in the two seasons leading up to the '08/'09 season in which Berbatov signed for Manchester United.

In the '05/'06 season Ronaldo had (mind you he was a winger back then): 6 assists, 9 goals

In the '06/'07 season he had: 13 assists, 17 goals

In the '07/'08 season: 7 assists, 31 goals

As you can see, Ronaldo had begun his addiction with scoring goals, and was now pushing into a striker's role more and more. He was no longer content to roam the wings and whip in crosses—he wanted to score goals, and he wanted the attention that came with it.

If you look at Rooney's stats over this same time frame, you'll notice how his number of goals diminishes yet his number of assists increase. This is due to Ronaldo squeezing him out and forcing Rooney to become the provider rather than the scorer.

Sadly, in '08/'09 season (when Berbatov was signed), Ronaldo's ego became overbearing on the entire United forward line, including Rooney. He was limiting both his and Berbatov's potential. He was pushing Rooney out wide and Berbatov deeper than he'd ever been.

And that is why Ferguson finally decided that it was time to cash in on him.

This season, with no Cristiano Ronaldo, with Berbatov and Rooney both playing in their natural positions, the benefits are there for all to see.

Already, Berbatov has 3 goals and 2 assists in 6 games (8 if you count substitutions), and his strike-partner Wayne Rooney: 6 goals in 8 games.

This is a vast improvement over last year, in which Rooney managed only 14 goals and Berbatov an even worse tally of just nine in 29+2 substitutions.

I think we can expect much more from Berbatov and Rooney this season, and I'm betting my money on Manchester United to write history by marching to a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

For those who say otherwise, be prepared to be disappointed come May.