Berbatov Fans

The community for Berbatov and Manchester United Fans

Manchester United beat Middlesbrough with 2 goals at Riverside. The relegation threatened side had always been a torn on the side for the last 3 years, managing upsetting draws or wins. Fans across the Premier League say ‘Boro is ManUtd’s bogey team. But this time, the team managed a comfortable win taking control of the match and getting the goals needed to win.

Ferguson fielded a medium strength side, taking precautions for the upcoming match for the Champions League. The starting XI was: Foster as goalkeeper; O’Shea, Vidic, Evans and Evra as defenders; Park, Giggs, Scholes and Rooney as midfielders; Macheda and Dimitar as forwards. Cristiano remained on the bench for the whole match, resting for the important game on Tuesday.

Macheda was handed his first start for the Premier League and Rooney played as a winger. However, the front pairing Dimitar-Macheda was ineffective. The newly anointed Players’ Player of the Year 2009 scored the first goal in the 25th minute. Macheda was harshly booked for his impetuousness to gain the ball back. Altough ‘Boro were not a real threat upfront, Park got the calming second goal in the 51st minute. Park’s performance is in decline, the “three lungs” is no longer seen across the field and he appears more ineffective as ever.


Tévez substituted the inexperienced Macheda in the 55th minute surrounded by applause and “Sign him!” shouts. The unpopular Nani substituted the tired Park in the 74th minute and Rafael substituted the tired Evra in the 78th minute. There was a moment of the match when ManUtd was awarded a goal-threatening free kick and indecision invaded the club as Rooney and Giggs decided who would take the free kick. Cameras focused on Cristiano resting and smiling on the bench. As he always takes those free kicks, it was a new experience for Rooney who finally took it, getting it a little wide.

Dimitar’s performance was regular. This time there weren’t good flicks and first touches to talk about. It is worth mentioning he has more defensive duties. However, it is embarrassing to see how the 35-year-old-801-appearances Giggs sprints faster and more often than Dimitar. Dimitar needs to realize he is worthless in terms of counter attack as he does not run fast enough, lowering ManUtd’s opportunity for goals and entertaining football. Also, I could see that his teammates are loosing patience. He was involved very little on plays as the central midfield preferred Macheda, Rooney and Tévez for moving forward. Dimitar needs to see the DVD for this match. It is frustrating to see him having first touches to deliver the ball to rivals and always passing the ball back instead of creating space and turning towards the rival goal. His actions might frustrate their teammates and as a result they prefer to involve someone else. If he does not step up, his dream club will quickly become a nightmare. Also, as he play the full 90 minutes is an indication that he might not start in Tuesday’s match.

Now, what other reports have to say about Dimitar’s performance:

From BBC: “United's front pairing of Dimitar Berbatov and Federico Macheda were largely ineffective in a 4-4-2 formation.”

From ManUtd.com: “Dimitar Berbatov - Dropped deep to bridge the gap between midfield and attack, and his unflappable demeanour in possession characterised a comfortable away win. Wayne Rooney - Probably pestered Sir Alex not to rest him, and responded with a marauding display down the left and a key assist for Park's goal. Kiko Macheda - Totally unfazed by starting in a must-win game. Unfortunate not to score at the start of the second half, and gave a good account of himself. Carlos Tevez (on for Macheda) - Adored by United's vocal away following, and unfortunate to see his fine run and shot blocked by Wheater.”

From Goal.com: “Berbatov 6.5 - The loping Bulgarian played in short bursts but was dangerous down the right when utilised by his team-mates. Useful passing throughout. Rooney 8 - Playing much more centrally - his preferred role - the bullish forward slashed a couple off target in the early stages, but didn't really come back into the contest until after the break, when his movement and quality shone through. Assisted Park's goal and popped up all over. Macheda 6 - Making his first senior Premier League start, the starlet certainly put himself about. Was a tad unlucky to be booked for a foul on Wheater, but used his strength on Bates to present Giggs with his goal. Fired wide after the break and was hooked for Tevez. Tevez 6.5 was his usual gather-no-moss self.”

From Manchester Evening News: “Berbatov: The Bulgarian's subtle prompting might not have been a real eye catcher but it helped United keep pressure on 6. Rooney: His his newly acquired regular left wing role he was a constant pain for Middlesbrough and inspiration for Reds 8. Macheda: Worked hard enough but it was a tough one for the teenager 6. Tevez: Usual high energy effort 6.”

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool won their matches. But Manchester United is still on top, 3 points clear and a game on hand.

Next match is on Tuesday vs Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of the Semifinal for the Champions League.

Read more about the match in,

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8014834.stm
Middlesbrough 0-2 Man Utd
By Saj Chowdhury

Share 

Comment

You need to be a member of Berbatov Fans to add comments!

Join this Ning Network

Sponsor Ads


Badge

Loading…

© 2009   Created by Alexander Antonov on Ning.   Create a Ning Network!

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy  |  Terms of Service

Sign in to chat!