Not a tracksuit in sight

 

So, United are beginning to find a little form and have a lengthy run of more than fixtures it seems we may be in for a treat, last night’s injury to Paul Scholes not withstanding.

Dimitar Berbatov’s brace on his European debut was really a gift, both goals came as a result of poor Danish defending, but the nonchalance with which the Bulgarian accepted the chances and the restrained nature of his celebrations underlined his potential as a natural successor to you know who.

Berbatov has been slow off the mark. His first two games at Chelsea and Liverpool didn’t help, although he did set up Tevez’s goal in front of the Kop – the game at Stamford Bridge was far too fast for anyone of skill to really influence the game.

Yet in the second half against Bolton there were signs that he’d finally settled into some kind of form, a delightful over the shoulder cross being a particular highlight. Last night he missed a sitter in the opening five minutes but later, after he’d opened his account following a Danish defensive howler, his touches were reminiscent of Cantona at his best, a back heel flick for Nani and another perfectly weighted ball for Ronaldo should have added to United’s tally in Denmark.

Not only that but amid the overgrown teenagers in United’s squad Dimitar lends an air of sophistication, a contrast to Anderson’s endless hair experiments, Cristiano’s acne and Wayne’s puppy fat. His arrival at Old Trafford on transfer deadline day dressed in sober yet stylish attire was a good sign. His cool utterances since have conveyed the kind of maturity United sometimes lack, typical of this was his reference to his scissor-kick second goal as a ‘tap-in’. Berba is definetely not a member of Wayne’s posse.

Some have claimed that Berba’s unwillingness to track back or close down counter-attacks is a weakness. They have also accused the Bulgar of a lack of energy. One over-paid football columnist derided him as ’static’, ‘it certainly makes him easier to dust’ he opined. This is so obviously an ABU wind-up that it’s not worthy of a response.

On a more general note it has to be said that ‘working your bollocks off’ remains one of the most overrated abilities a footballer can have. It is a typically British response to claim, after a defeat or a disappointment, that at least such and such a player ’sweated blood for the cause’. I don’t think they say that in Italy or Brazil – but what do they know, they only have the 9 World Cups between them…

The beauty of Berba’s performances so far have been the cameo pieces of control and the understanding he is establishing with his youthful colleagues. Amid the strain and commitment of Tevez and Rooney and the multiple stepovers and Drama Queen behavior of the Portuguese contingent, Berba’s laid back attitude to the art of goalscoring is a cause for celebration not scorn. A star has most defintely been born.