The 2010-11 season was Dimitar Berbatov’s best since he joined Manchester United in 2008, scoring 21 goals in 42 appearances for the club.
It is safe to assume that had it not been for the Rooney-Hernandez chemistry later on in the season, the Bulgarian could have gone on to better his career best, 26 goals in 46 for Bayer Leverkusen. It is therefore irritating as a United fan to constantly hear him being linked with moves away from Old Trafford.
Sir Alex openly snubbing Berba in favor of Chicharito, while understandable, did not help matters. The little pea hit the ground running since joining United, scoring for fun in his debut. Also his chemistry with Rooney cannot be overlooked. Wayne admits he enjoys playing with Chicha and the result is plain to see.
Berba therefore had to patiently wait his turn on the bench and reclaim his place in the starting 11 when given the chance.
His biggest chance came in the FA cup semifinal which was unfortunate for him since that was one of his worst games of the season.
I’m pretty sure many were thinking what Rooney would have done with all those chances Berba missed in that game. Sir Alex is not the most forgiving coach and to cause him to lose on such a stage against his local rivals was not going to be forgotten easily. Berba was out of favor with the gaffer.
The final insult for Berba was not being named for the Champions League final, the biggest stage in European football. He lost his place on the bench to Michael Owen, a player who had only managed five goals the whole season.
I can think of several players who would not have even bothered showing up for anything team-related after that.
Berba is different.
In a recent interview on the club website, he was quoted saying he was looking forward to the preseason.
Berbatov cannot leave United. He is humble, loves the club, is never caught on the front pages of tabloids for all the wrong reasons and most important of all, he has shown that he can score goals.
To allow Berbatov to leave after such a good season by all standards is to justify the actions of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, who put their interests ahead of that of the club.
If he is allowed to leave, it will send a clear message to all: The clubs don’t care about the players. They are just pawns to be moved about whenever the club wishes.
Loyalty and dedication should be rewarded not punished. Berbatov must stay.
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