Berbatov will only play against "easy teams"

Marcus · 9th February 2010, 07:27

Looking at Berbatov's style of play and injury, the reality is that he is not going to be the one leading the line in a counter-attack like Rooney does. BUT this does not mean that he is a poor player. When teams pack the defence, that's when Berbatov comes into the picture.

So my theory as to how SAF will use Berbatov is:

a) If the opposition is defensive-minded, Berbatov will play.

b) If the opposition is attack-minded (top 6 team), Berbatov will not play.

This may lead some to say that Berbatov is a waste of money, but no, 3 points is 3 points, if Berbatov only helps us beat defensive teams only by turning on his skill and producing the unexpected or moment of class he will still have been worth the money.

Ramshock · 9th February 2010, 07:29

thats a very good observation...still for the price and his age Berba was/still is a waste of money

notiboiboi · 9th February 2010, 07:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramshock

thats a very good observation...still for the price and his age Berba was/still is a waste of money

Pretty much but if he stays on for another six seasons playing well into his thirties, we may be singing a very different tune...

Thats if he performs though

CentreForward · 9th February 2010, 07:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramshock

thats a very good observation...still for the price and his age Berba was/still is a waste of money

Why would Berba be a waste of money? Hargreaves is a waste of money, because he doesn't play. Berbatov plays and brings us goals/points. And that is exactly the OP's point. Regardless against who he plays, Berbatov brings us points

Paul Scholes · 9th February 2010, 07:56

good post marco
and i also believe he is not waste of money
he is pure class

ScholesClass · 9th February 2010, 08:11

But there is a contradiction. The clear example is our next game v Aston Villa. A top 6 team which is also very defensive-minded. when they have to park the bus as they did vs Spurs, you can realize why they have the most efficient defence of the league. Villa's defenders are very very cautious, careful and coordinated. Once they score (like at OT), they know to interpret the different periods of the game, but never losing the capacity of retract to build a wall.

So, to unlock difficult/defensive opponents we need Berbatov, but Aston Villa is also a top 6 team.

It has to do more with the opponents football nature and not with the league positions.

Berbatov means intelectual game near the box. Not quick counter attacks, or lightening football.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 9th February 2010, 08:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus

Looking at Berbatov's style of play and injury, the reality is that he is not going to be the one leading the line in a counter-attack like Rooney does. BUT this does not mean that he is a poor player. When teams pack the defence, that's when Berbatov comes into the picture.

So my theory as to how SAF will use Berbatov is:

a) If the opposition is defensive-minded, Berbatov will play.

b) If the opposition is attack-minded (top 6 team), Berbatov will not play.

This may lead some to say that Berbatov is a waste of money, but no, 3 points is 3 points, if Berbatov only helps us beat defensive teams only by turning on his skill and producing the unexpected or moment of class he will still have been worth the money.

Excellent post.

Devilton · 9th February 2010, 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus

Looking at Berbatov's style of play and injury, the reality is that he is not going to be the one leading the line in a counter-attack like Rooney does. BUT this does not mean that he is a poor player. When teams pack the defence, that's when Berbatov comes into the picture.

So my theory as to how SAF will use Berbatov is:

a) If the opposition is defensive-minded, Berbatov will play.

b) If the opposition is attack-minded (top 6 team), Berbatov will not play.

This may lead some to say that Berbatov is a waste of money, but no, 3 points is 3 points, if Berbatov only helps us beat defensive teams only by turning on his skill and producing the unexpected or moment of class he will still have been worth the money.

It's not a theory mate. It's facht. SAF has not started Berbatov in any of our tough games this season, and I doubt he will do so against the likes of Milan, Liverpool, or Chelsea in our upcoming games either.

I agree with most of what you say but have reservations regarding the last part. When you pay 30 million for a striker you expect him to start every game. You don't pay that kind of money for an off the bench impact player or someone who only plays against teams that park the bus. Now don't get me wrong, I like Berbatov and appreciate his skill set but unless he scores in big games, and comes through with match winning performances I won't accept that he's been worth 30 million pounds.

I'm not saying he's not a good addition to our squad - Of course he is. But for 30 million pounds, you have to be more then just a good player. You need to be influential. You need to be a match winner, and I can only think of a handful of games where Berbatov can lay claim to that title and even those weren't against top quality teams. Had he cost us 12-15 million (as he did when Spurs got him) this wouldn't be an issue. If he had cost us half of what we paid for him we'd all be backslapping each other talking about what a bargain he is and how much we love his flicks, tricks and everything in between - but he didn't cost us 15 million, he cost more then twice that. And yes, I do know it's harsh to judge a player on the price agreed between two clubs because the player has no say in the matter, but ultimately when you weigh up if someone has been good 'value' for money you have to take into consideration the alternative use for that money and make a judgment based on what else you could have potentially bought. You also have to ask yourself a fundamental question all buyers who experience cognitive dissonance do; if you had a second chance to buy him, would you do it?

I know if SAF had to pay the 20 million he did for Ruud, he'd do it.. The same goes for the 30 million it cost for Rooney. But 5 years from now, I don't think SAF would feel the 30 mil spent on Berba was one of his best decisions. He may well go onto help us win titles, but my personal feeling is that if Fergie had a chance to do it all over again he would have loved to spend that money somewhere else. The way I perceive it, the cognitive dissonance with the Berba purchase has been very high. I believe we overpaid by at least 10 million, and with our finances the way they are, I don't think it's a stretch to imagine SAF feeling a certain degree of regret over the purchase.

jamesblonde · 9th February 2010, 09:19

At the time 30 million would have bought a lot more than it does now:
Ibrahimovic, Eto, Villa could all have been got for that cash.

kafta · 9th February 2010, 09:29

Its funny how most people would've been real happy with Berbatov if we had'nt bought him for a ridiculous sum because of an inflated market...

DevilsOwn · 9th February 2010, 09:36

Excellent post @ OP.

Its not Berba's fault that he was bought in an inflationary market.

He is very important in our link up play in the 4-4-2 system. And is NOT playing as the striker leading the line.

kklm05 · 9th February 2010, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by kafta

Its funny how most people would've been real happy with Berbatov if we had'nt bought him for a ridiculous sum because of an inflated market...

Considering ppl are asking for the 80mill to be spend on Villa and Silva, I think they will not be happier in any event.

Treble · 9th February 2010, 10:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devilton

It's not a theory mate. It's facht. SAF has not started Berbatov in any of our tough games this season, and I doubt he will do so against the likes of Milan, Liverpool, or Chelsea in our upcoming games either.

I agree with most of what you say but have reservations regarding the last part. When you pay 30 million for a striker you expect him to start every game. You don't pay that kind of money for an off the bench impact player or someone who only plays against teams that park the bus. Now don't get me wrong, I like Berbatov and appreciate his skill set but unless he scores in big games, and comes through with match winning performances I won't accept that he's been worth 30 million pounds.

I'm not saying he's not a good addition to our squad - Of course he is. But for 30 million pounds, you have to be more then just a good player. You need to be influential. You need to be a match winner, and I can only think of a handful of games where Berbatov can lay claim to that title and even those weren't against top quality teams. Had he cost us 12-15 million (as he did when Spurs got him) this wouldn't be an issue. If he had cost us half of what we paid for him we'd all be backslapping each other talking about what a bargain he is and how much we love his flicks, tricks and everything in between - but he didn't cost us 15 million, he cost more then twice that. And yes, I do know it's harsh to judge a player on the price agreed between two clubs because the player has no say in the matter, but ultimately when you weigh up if someone has been good 'value' for money you have to take into consideration the alternative use for that money and make a judgment based on what else you could have potentially bought. You also have to ask yourself a fundamental question all buyers who experience cognitive dissonance do; if you had a second chance to buy him, would you do it?

I know if SAF had to pay the 20 million he did for Ruud, he'd do it.. The same goes for the 30 million it cost for Rooney. But 5 years from now, I don't think SAF would feel the 30 mil spent on Berba was one of his best decisions. He may well go onto help us win titles, but my personal feeling is that if Fergie had a chance to do it all over again he would have loved to spend that money somewhere else. The way I perceive it, the cognitive dissonance with the Berba purchase has been very high. I believe we overpaid by at least 10 million, and with our finances the way they are, I don't think it's a stretch to imagine SAF feeling a certain degree of regret over the purchase.

Well, SAF started him against Spurs away, City home (in the league) and Liverpool away. If/when he hits form - personally, I expect that this will happen in the next 4-5 weeks,- he will probably start in some of the big games till the end of the season. He has a good record against Chelsea (4 goals in 8 starts), last season he was involved in 3 of our 4 goals against them. So, if he is in good form come April, he may start against them, who knows?

As regards the OP, yes, Berbatov has been very useful against the bottom half teams, both last season and this season. I think that with him in the starting XI we have won almost all games vs such teams - about 25 wins from 26 games. We lost only 2 points with him, against Sunderland. They weren't a bottom half team when we played them though.

Well, do we need expensive signings in order to beat bottom half teams? Look at Liverpool last season: they failed to win the league because they lost many poinst against "weak" teams. If you beat all top 4 clubs you will win 18 points. If you win against all non-top 4 clubs you will win 96 points. The games vs the top clubs are overrated, and those against the half bottom clubs - underrated. Last season we won the league only because we won 55 out of 57 possible points vs bottom half clubs. Still, I think Berbatov can be useful against top clubs as well, provided that he is in form.

Pogue Mahone · 9th February 2010, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesblonde

At the time 30 million would have bought a lot more than it does now:
Ibrahimovic, Eto, Villa could all have been got for that cash.

Sure. If their clubs wanted to sell them. If the players themselves wanted a move. If United was the club they wanted to join. If if if.

If only signing footballers was as easy as finding the aisle in the supermarket labelled "Strikers".

R.Nilsson7 · 9th February 2010, 10:28

Why not judge him as a player instead of constantly putting the transfer fee in, it's just so stupid and moronic. He's style of play means that he could play well into his 30's as he's not that reliant on pace.

Allforone · 9th February 2010, 10:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Nilsson7

Why not judge him as a player instead of constantly putting the transfer fee in, it's just so stupid and moronic. He's style of play means that he could play well into his 30's as he's not that reliant on pace.

Well said it really is.

Ixion · 9th February 2010, 10:33

The problem is we didn't sign him to make a difference against the weak sides (which he hasn't done than often anyway), Sir Alex clearly thought we needed someone to provide a big of magic in the big games and in Europe, much like Yorke did when he arrived. Now Ronaldo and Tevez are gone we need that something different more than ever, we can't just expect Rooney to do it all by himself so Berbatov needs to step up his game and perform against all types of opposition.

How many of Sir Alex's other strikers have we given excuses to that they're only supposed to make a difference against weak sides? Even Forlan scored winners against the scousers and Chelsea. You buy top strikers to make an impact in ALL games, you don't pick and chose them. Theres nothing wrong with expecting Berbatov to perform against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Milan, Barca etc.

Name Changed · 9th February 2010, 10:33

To be honest about it, I think if SAF had the opportunity to get someone in to play instead of Berbatov, then he will. If the right player and the right price comes along and we have a few bob to spend, then I think we will. For example, we did make some sort of an attempt to buy Benzema last summer. If we had of got him, I do not think that Berbatov will have played much this season.

smallred · 9th February 2010, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramshock

thats a very good observation...still for the price and his age Berba was/still is a waste of money

f*ck sake, give it a rest. how much he cost makes no difference once he puts his name on the dotted line...if he rattles in 13 or 14 goals and has 10 assists in the league, its a decent return as he did last year. we won a league, came damn close to the perfect season and he was part of that.

give the lad a break ffs, he should be recovering from an operation but he is playing through the pain to help the cause. hes a fantastic footballer, but cos he doesnt run around like that c8nt we had last year, you slag him off and right him off. for all talk about said c*nt, he only has scored 4 league goals more yet has played far far far more game time and plays as their main striker where as berba is not.

Count Duckula · 9th February 2010, 10:49

The thing that amuses me is half of the people getting annoyed when Berbatov's fee is mentioned are the same people who spew semen over the walls when they remember how cheap Evra and Vidic were.

If the transfer fee is unimportant, which is fine if you want it that way, then it can't be mentioned in relation to any player. After all, it's unimportant.

gaffs · 9th February 2010, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Nilsson7

Why not judge him as a player instead of constantly putting the transfer fee in, it's just so stupid and moronic. He's style of play means that he could play well into his 30's as he's not that reliant on pace.

Its far from "stupid or moronic".

Berbatov came to United with a proven track at Spurs - thats why he cost us £30mil. I expected so much because I know how good he was at Spurs.

When a player comes in for big money, he will always be judged against the fee. It would be more "moronic" to judge someone like Manucho against Berbatov.

When you buy a car thats £30k and it only performs as well as one thats £10k, you would think that it was poor value - especially when you have a limited budget.

PJ · 9th February 2010, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Nilsson7

Why not judge him as a player instead of constantly putting the transfer fee in, it's just so stupid and moronic. He's style of play means that he could play well into his 30's as he's not that reliant on pace.

Great point. He's not impressing me at all now, but might well prove to be a good buy.

phelans shorts · 9th February 2010, 10:52

Another thing with the transfer fee, it was inflated even more as we basically kidnapped him, that added another few million.

As has been said not running is no reason to hate him, when did cantona run around like the Argie twat did?

Some people complain for the fun of it and them people are an embarassment, I haven't felt as ashamed as I did when berbatov was booed the game after the everton semi in a long long time.

gaffs · 9th February 2010, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Count Duckula

The thing that amuses me is half of the people getting annoyed when Berbatov's fee is mentioned are the same people who spew semen over the walls when they remember how cheap Evra and Vidic were.

If the transfer fee is unimportant, which is fine if you want it that way, then it can't be mentioned in relation to any player. After all, it's unimportant.

Im sure people would be saying something if we has just bought Chris Smalling for £30mil.

vuc · 9th February 2010, 10:58

Silly observation - The fact is you won't see the best of Berbatov because he is not playing as a CF.

Marcus · 9th February 2010, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ixion

The problem is we didn't sign him to make a difference against the weak sides (which he hasn't done than often anyway), Sir Alex clearly thought we needed someone to provide a big of magic in the big games and in Europe, much like Yorke did when he arrived. Now Ronaldo and Tevez are gone we need that something different more than ever, we can't just expect Rooney to do it all by himself so Berbatov needs to step up his game and perform against all types of opposition.

How many of Sir Alex's other strikers have we given excuses to that they're only supposed to make a difference against weak sides? Even Forlan scored winners against the scousers and Chelsea. You buy top strikers to make an impact in ALL games, you don't pick and chose them. Theres nothing wrong with expecting Berbatov to perform against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Milan, Barca etc.

I was generalising. Easy teams means teams which give United lots of possession in their half. Berbatov would do well in such situations because it plays to his strengths. I don't deny that some stronger teams deliberately play that way to pave the way for counter-attacks, United/Chelsea vs Arsenal are the most recent examples I can think of.

misterredmist · 9th February 2010, 11:11

It seems some people just need a boo boy....... Berba is a class act, yes, I agree we have probably not seen the best of him yet in a United shirt , but, as "Smallred" said, he was part of the great season we had last year, and we are'nt doing too bad this year.....

Anyway, he's here at least until the end of this season, and we're going to need him to make some important contributions in that time, so let's give him our support rather than trash him.....

Brwned · 9th February 2010, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Count Duckula

The thing that amuses me is half of the people getting annoyed when Berbatov's fee is mentioned are the same people who spew semen over the walls when they remember how cheap Evra and Vidic were.

If the transfer fee is unimportant, which is fine if you want it that way, then it can't be mentioned in relation to any player. After all, it's unimportant.

Absolutely. Unless, you know, it's in a discussion about how Sir Alex has done in the transfer market over the past couple of years, which is usually when those people bring it up rather than discussing how good the player is.

gaffs · 9th February 2010, 11:16

Problem is, he doesnt fit into the 433 that we use against most of the big teams now.

We have played Arsenal 6 times since Berbatov signed and hes only started one of those games - which was the only one of those we lost.

phelans shorts · 9th February 2010, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaffs

Problem is, he doesnt fit into the 433 that we use against most of the big teams now.

We have played Arsenal 6 times since Berbatov signed and hes only started one of those games - which was the only one of those we lost.

Hardly his fault Gary Neville was awful now was it, so he can't really be blamed for that defeat.

Pogue Mahone · 9th February 2010, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaffs

Problem is, he doesnt fit into the 433 that we use against most of the big teams now.

We have played Arsenal 6 times since Berbatov signed and hes only started one of those games - which was the only one of those we lost.

Seeing as that involved playing with a lone striker and Wayne Rooney is doing such a brilliant job in that role, is this really a problem?

Or are you suggesting Rooney should be the only striker in our squad?

Frans · 9th February 2010, 11:25

I dont care much about transfer fee's , wages , and things like that , the case is just that Berbatov is not delivering.

gaffs · 9th February 2010, 11:25

Berbatovs goals this season have been against.....

Wigan (a), Sunderland (h), Blackburn (h), West Ham (a), Hull (a), Wigan (h), Burnley (h), Portsmouth (h).

Only one of those goals turned out to be a goal that secured a point - the late goal he scored against Sunderland.

All of those teams are in the bottom 8 of the Premier League.

gaffs · 9th February 2010, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Seeing as that involved playing with a lone striker and Wayne Rooney is doing such a brilliant job in that role, is this really a problem?

Or are you suggesting Rooney should be the only striker in our squad?

Neither. Im saying he doesn’t fit into the 433 that we usually play against big team.

Simple as that.

Pogue Mahone · 9th February 2010, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaffs

Berbatovs goals this season have been against.....

Wigan (a), Sunderland (h), Blackburn (h), West Ham (a), Hull (a), Wigan (h), Burnley (h), Portsmouth (h).

Only one of those goals turned out to be a goal that secured a point - the late goal he scored against Sunderland.

All of those teams are in the bottom 8 of the Premier League.

Completely meaningless stat. All the more so in the context of a thread where it's only just been pointed out that SAF likes to play a lone striker (who isn't Berbatov) against the strongest sides in the league.

Stretch · 9th February 2010, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devilton

It's not a theory mate. It's facht. SAF has not started Berbatov in any of our tough games this season, and I doubt he will do so against the likes of Milan, Liverpool, or Chelsea in our upcoming games either.

I agree with most of what you say but have reservations regarding the last part. When you pay 30 million for a striker you expect him to start every game. You don't pay that kind of money for an off the bench impact player or someone who only plays against teams that park the bus. Now don't get me wrong, I like Berbatov and appreciate his skill set but unless he scores in big games, and comes through with match winning performances I won't accept that he's been worth 30 million pounds.

I'm not saying he's not a good addition to our squad - Of course he is. But for 30 million pounds, you have to be more then just a good player. You need to be influential. You need to be a match winner, and I can only think of a handful of games where Berbatov can lay claim to that title and even those weren't against top quality teams. Had he cost us 12-15 million (as he did when Spurs got him) this wouldn't be an issue. If he had cost us half of what we paid for him we'd all be backslapping each other talking about what a bargain he is and how much we love his flicks, tricks and everything in between - but he didn't cost us 15 million, he cost more then twice that. And yes, I do know it's harsh to judge a player on the price agreed between two clubs because the player has no say in the matter, but ultimately when you weigh up if someone has been good 'value' for money you have to take into consideration the alternative use for that money and make a judgment based on what else you could have potentially bought. You also have to ask yourself a fundamental question all buyers who experience cognitive dissonance do; if you had a second chance to buy him, would you do it?

I know if SAF had to pay the 20 million he did for Ruud, he'd do it.. The same goes for the 30 million it cost for Rooney. But 5 years from now, I don't think SAF would feel the 30 mil spent on Berba was one of his best decisions. He may well go onto help us win titles, but my personal feeling is that if Fergie had a chance to do it all over again he would have loved to spend that money somewhere else. The way I perceive it, the cognitive dissonance with the Berba purchase has been very high. I believe we overpaid by at least 10 million, and with our finances the way they are, I don't think it's a stretch to imagine SAF feeling a certain degree of regret over the purchase.

Well that's not Berba's fault now is it? And that is the issue that I have. Too many people want to bash Berbatov for it when he had nothing to do with United paying Tottenham £30million. He's playing is game and giving his best. He creates a lot of goals and scores a few but he's never been a prolific scorer and I doubt he ever will be. That's no fault of his own. Bad business from us simply put.

Ruben · 9th February 2010, 11:32

I've said before that the only way you can fairly judge a player by his price tag is if there was an alternative at the time of the purchase. Otherwise the price tag doesn't really mean anything.

Could we have got a better striker, at the time, who played at a club who wanted to sell, who himself wanted to come to us for 30M? And would he then have performed better than Berba?

Pricetag doesn't mean shit to me. I look at the players in our squad, and don't care what it cost to bring him there.

gaffs · 9th February 2010, 11:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Completely meaningless stat. All the more so in the context of a thread where it's only just been pointed out that SAF likes to play a lone striker (who isn't Berbatov) against the strongest sides in the league.

It further illustrates that he wasn’t worth the money.

kouroux · 9th February 2010, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by phelans shorts

Hardly his fault Gary Neville was awful now was it, so he can't really be blamed for that defeat.

He didn't really blame Berbatov now did he ?

kietotheworld · 9th February 2010, 11:38

If you're evaluating how good a signing Berbatov was, transfer fee has to come into it. Nobody is saying 'Berbatov is a bad player because he cost £30m' they're saying '£30m was very bad value for Berbatov'

9th February 2010, 07:27	#1 (permalink)
Marcus Couldn't buy a clue Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Dream Team: Ole - reserve coach, Cantona - Asst Manager, Schmikes - Goalie coach Posts: 2,530	Berbatov will only play against "easy teams" <a href="http://d.mediadakine.com/ck.php?n=ad232b97&cb=53172" target="_blank"><img src="http://d.mediadakine.com/avw.php?zoneid=81&cb=53172&n=ad232b97" border="0" alt="" /></a> Looking at Berbatov's style of play and injury, the reality is that he is not going to be the one leading the line in a counter-attack like Rooney does. BUT this does not mean that he is a poor player. When teams pack the defence, that's when Berbatov comes into the picture. So my theory as to how SAF will use Berbatov is: a) If the opposition is defensive-minded, Berbatov will play. b) If the opposition is attack-minded (top 6 team), Berbatov will not play. This may lead some to say that Berbatov is a waste of money, but no, 3 points is 3 points, if Berbatov only helps us beat defensive teams only by turning on his skill and producing the unexpected or moment of class he will still have been worth the money.

RedCafe.net

The Leading Manchester United Forum

Member's Login

Berbatov will only play against "easy teams"

Latest Forum Topics

Jump to Forum

Not yet registered?

9th February 2010, 07:29	#2 (permalink)
Ramshock poster of nonsense Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the circus thats America.. Posts: 5,546	thats a very good observation...still for the price and his age Berba was/still is a waste of money

9th February 2010, 07:56	#5 (permalink)
Paul Scholes Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Republik of Lemessunia Posts: 646	good post marco and i also believe he is not waste of money he is pure class

9th February 2010, 08:11	#6 (permalink)
ScholesClass First Team Sub Join Date: May 2009 Location: "If I had been born ugly, you would never have heard of Pele" - George Best Posts: 5,352	But there is a contradiction. The clear example is our next game v Aston Villa. A top 6 team which is also very defensive-minded. when they have to park the bus as they did vs Spurs, you can realize why they have the most efficient defence of the league. Villa's defenders are very very cautious, careful and coordinated. Once they score (like at OT), they know to interpret the different periods of the game, but never losing the capacity of retract to build a wall. So, to unlock difficult/defensive opponents we need Berbatov, but Aston Villa is also a top 6 team. It has to do more with the opponents football nature and not with the league positions. Berbatov means intelectual game near the box. Not quick counter attacks, or lightening football.

9th February 2010, 09:19	#9 (permalink)
jamesblonde Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,191	At the time 30 million would have bought a lot more than it does now: Ibrahimovic, Eto, Villa could all have been got for that cash.

9th February 2010, 09:29	#10 (permalink)
kafta Perpetual Under 11's Team Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Now occupying that talked about perch Posts: 3,021	Its funny how most people would've been real happy with Berbatov if we had'nt bought him for a ridiculous sum because of an inflated market...

9th February 2010, 09:36	#11 (permalink)
DevilsOwn Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maxiumum City Posts: 945	Excellent post @ OP. Its not Berba's fault that he was bought in an inflationary market. He is very important in our link up play in the 4-4-2 system. And is NOT playing as the striker leading the line.

9th February 2010, 10:28	#15 (permalink)
R.Nilsson7 First Team Regular Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: I'm on a horse Posts: 13,039	Why not judge him as a player instead of constantly putting the transfer fee in, it's just so stupid and moronic. He's style of play means that he could play well into his 30's as he's not that reliant on pace.

9th February 2010, 10:33	#17 (permalink)
Ixion First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greater Manchester Posts: 5,411	The problem is we didn't sign him to make a difference against the weak sides (which he hasn't done than often anyway), Sir Alex clearly thought we needed someone to provide a big of magic in the big games and in Europe, much like Yorke did when he arrived. Now Ronaldo and Tevez are gone we need that something different more than ever, we can't just expect Rooney to do it all by himself so Berbatov needs to step up his game and perform against all types of opposition. How many of Sir Alex's other strikers have we given excuses to that they're only supposed to make a difference against weak sides? Even Forlan scored winners against the scousers and Chelsea. You buy top strikers to make an impact in ALL games, you don't pick and chose them. Theres nothing wrong with expecting Berbatov to perform against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Milan, Barca etc.

9th February 2010, 10:33	#18 (permalink)
Name Changed weso26 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dublin Posts: 14,449	To be honest about it, I think if SAF had the opportunity to get someone in to play instead of Berbatov, then he will. If the right player and the right price comes along and we have a few bob to spend, then I think we will. For example, we did make some sort of an attempt to buy Benzema last summer. If we had of got him, I do not think that Berbatov will have played much this season.

9th February 2010, 10:49	#20 (permalink)
Count Duckula First Team Regular Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tali'Zorah vas Normandy. Posts: 14,096	The thing that amuses me is half of the people getting annoyed when Berbatov's fee is mentioned are the same people who spew semen over the walls when they remember how cheap Evra and Vidic were. If the transfer fee is unimportant, which is fine if you want it that way, then it can't be mentioned in relation to any player. After all, it's unimportant.

9th February 2010, 10:52	#23 (permalink)
phelans shorts First Team Sub Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CANADIAN Porn! Trust me when I tell you their universal health care system doesn't cover breast implants. If I have to sit through one more flat-chested Nova Scotian riding a Mountie on the back of a Zamboni, I'll go OOT of my mind. Posts: 8,110	Another thing with the transfer fee, it was inflated even more as we basically kidnapped him, that added another few million. As has been said not running is no reason to hate him, when did cantona run around like the Argie twat did? Some people complain for the fun of it and them people are an embarassment, I haven't felt as ashamed as I did when berbatov was booed the game after the everton semi in a long long time.

9th February 2010, 10:58	#25 (permalink)
vuc Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: in Madrid.. because they couldn't get Vidic. Posts: 4,886	Silly observation - The fact is you won't see the best of Berbatov because he is not playing as a CF.

9th February 2010, 11:11	#27 (permalink)
misterredmist Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baguley Posts: 638	It seems some people just need a boo boy....... Berba is a class act, yes, I agree we have probably not seen the best of him yet in a United shirt , but, as "Smallred" said, he was part of the great season we had last year, and we are'nt doing too bad this year..... Anyway, he's here at least until the end of this season, and we're going to need him to make some important contributions in that time, so let's give him our support rather than trash him.....

9th February 2010, 11:16	#29 (permalink)
gaffs First Team Sub Join Date: May 2007 Location: K Stand / Curva Nord Posts: 8,503	Problem is, he doesnt fit into the 433 that we use against most of the big teams now. We have played Arsenal 6 times since Berbatov signed and hes only started one of those games - which was the only one of those we lost.

9th February 2010, 11:25	#32 (permalink)
Frans Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: " Wise people talk because they have something to say, fools talk because they have to say something " Posts: 2,674	I dont care much about transfer fee's , wages , and things like that , the case is just that Berbatov is not delivering.

9th February 2010, 11:25	#33 (permalink)
gaffs First Team Sub Join Date: May 2007 Location: K Stand / Curva Nord Posts: 8,503	Berbatovs goals this season have been against..... Wigan (a), Sunderland (h), Blackburn (h), West Ham (a), Hull (a), Wigan (h), Burnley (h), Portsmouth (h). Only one of those goals turned out to be a goal that secured a point - the late goal he scored against Sunderland. All of those teams are in the bottom 8 of the Premier League.

9th February 2010, 11:32	#37 (permalink)
Ruben First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Oslo Posts: 7,822	I've said before that the only way you can fairly judge a player by his price tag is if there was an alternative at the time of the purchase. Otherwise the price tag doesn't really mean anything. Could we have got a better striker, at the time, who played at a club who wanted to sell, who himself wanted to come to us for 30M? And would he then have performed better than Berba? Pricetag doesn't mean shit to me. I look at the players in our squad, and don't care what it cost to bring him there.

9th February 2010, 11:38	#40 (permalink)
kietotheworld Platini's mum Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: On the wire between will and what will be Posts: 7,390	If you're evaluating how good a signing Berbatov was, transfer fee has to come into it. Nobody is saying 'Berbatov is a bad player because he cost £30m' they're saying '£30m was very bad value for Berbatov'