Dimitar Berbatov: Sir Alex Ferguson Wise to Keep His Trustworthy Center Half

I'll admit it: I was one of the many Manchester United fans who advocated for Dimitar Berbatov's departure during the summer.  With Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck leading an attack flanked by Ashley Young and Nani, the goofy Bulgarian would seem to be a surplus to requirements 

Coming off a Golden Boot-winning season, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could have probably convinced wealthy suitors Paris Saint-Germain to fork over a hefty £12 million for the languid striker.  At 30 years old, Berbatov's market values will drop for the remainder of his career, so why not just take the money and run?  Heck, if Sir Alex wouldn't even select a healthy Berbatov for the substitute's bench in United's Champions League Final clash against Barcelona, why would he even consider turning down £12 million?

Quite simply, Berbatov is worth well above £12 million.

As fans of top teams, we tend to begin each season by predicting our club's starting 11 and then explaining how this starting 11 represents a massive upgrade from last season.  With our new recruits, we will of course surely win the league championship (and probably the Champions League too).

Yet, as a manager entrusted to keep a firm grasp on reality, Sir Alex focuses his efforts on building a squad with at least 20 top-class players.  Recognizing what we fans so often choose to ignore at the beginning of the season, injuries do happen.

For instance, with Chicharito joining an injured Danny Welbeck on the substitute's bench in Sunday's fixture following a crunching tackle from Chelsea's Ashley Cole, Fergie expectedly called upon Berbatov.  Yes, Berba did enter in the 79th minute when United already had a two-goal lead, but what if the match had been tied?  Could Michael Owen or Federico Macheda have found the winner?

I doubt it.  I'd take my chances with 21-goal Berba.

Fortunately, both Chicharito and Welbeck have returned from injury, but there is no assurance that the young strikers, or any other attacker, will remain healthy throughout the remainder of the season.

With transfer market trends tending to price top-tier strikers at a minimum of £20 million, Sir Alex could not simply exchange Berbatov for an equally talented player.  Instead, he would have to pay premium for a top hitman who would probably spend the majority of his United career complaining about life on the substitute's bench.

However, with three Champions League Final losses weighing heavily on his mind, the deceptive poacher seems to have accepted his new role as his ticket to Allianz Arena for one more shot at capturing the elusive trophy.

Who knows?  If there proves to be no room up top, I'm sure he'd do just fine as a center half.