United legend Norman Whiteside says Berbatov could have done no more to convince Ferguson that he is the man to carry United over the line in the title race.
“I was doing TV in Norway recently and it was just after he’d scored five against Blackburn,” said the Northern Ireland World Cup star.
“I was saying what good form he was in, but then against Arsenal he was on the substitutes’ bench.
“You just don’t know what the manager will be thinking ahead of each game and sometimes he puts out teams that you wouldn’t expect.
“But Berbatov has done really well this season. He’s really come on from his first two years at United.
“A lot of people have had a go at him in the past, but I’ve always stood by him. He doesn’t look like a Rooney or a Carlos Tevez – they are both beavers, always chasing down every ball.
“Sometimes Berbatov doesn’t look like he’s as bothered, but his touch is great, his awareness is great and he’s come good and scored a lot of goals this season.”
With Rooney rediscovering his goalscoring touch with six in his last 12 games in all competitions, Whiteside believes United have a lethal combination up front.
“Rooney had a slow start, but lately he’s started sticking the ball in the back of the net,” he said. “His contribution has always been second to none with his all-round play – and he never stops running.
“The goals have started coming at just the right time. The big teams need their big players and he’s the biggest.
“United have not played the best football this season. But the league has been wide open and they are at the top of the table, in the semi-final of the FA Cup and in the Champions League quarter-final at a time when their best player is hitting top form.”
While Ferguson has always publically supported Berbatov, his actions have long suggested he has doubts about the former Tottenham man’s ability to produce consistenly.
Ferguson admitted last week that the Bulgarian was struggling with being in and out of the side.
“It’s difficult,” said the United manager. “Players never understand when they are left out, it doesn’t matter what you say, they always want to play and I was the same.
“It’s important he recognises he will play a part."
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Manchester United Supporters' Association, We Are Hungry For More [vol.49]
