Why does ferguson hate berbatov

You may also know that we had some problems keeping strikers fit before Berbatov arrived. It made sense for Sir Alex to want to have four quality strikers, as we were experiencing periods of weeks with only one fit striker because two were out injured. In Rooney and Tevez, we had two strikers who were rather similar, so it seemed natural to want to find a striker with different assets and strengths, and a little height.

Part of the problem is that the game has changed. Anyone in such a large squad as a fourth choice striker will be left wanting game time if there are no injuries in that position.

Every point, every goal is crucial, as we know too well. With the incredibly high stakes of the modern game, a top manager simply has no room for sentiment or putting a player before the team. And so even a top player like Berbatov may end up getting only 21 appearnaces in a season. Those plans were probably that he would provide injury cover, as Rooney and Welbeck have been known to miss several games a season to injury. Dimitar Berbatov is a different kettle of fish though. For whatever reason, the fans are already against him.

The media branded him sulky before he came to United and the idea that he was lazy when he joined us quickly circulated. Berbatov was sulky at Spurs because he wanted to play for Manchester United and he wanted to play Champions League football. The club said no and told him he had to stay put.

So he stayed put and scored 23 goals for them. Like the summer before, he wanted to play for Manchester United and he wanted to play Champions League football and he was again told no. Rio Ferdinand was arsed about the money, but we forgave him. He took a poor penalty today and he is forgiven. Dimitar the player, like Dimitar the man, is an enigma. The great Sir Alex would have to admit he was wrong, and he doesn't like doing that, so he won't be selling a player he bought for 30 million at an inevitable loss.

And then Saturday happened. No matter the opposition, no matter the service, to score five goals in the Premier League demonstrates class. His hat trick against Liverpool earlier in the season was even more impressive, and his second in that game was one of the most outrageous goals I have ever seen.

Two examples in one season is not the mark of a bad player, simply a great one shrouded in mediocrity.