Dimitar Berbatov Has Key Role To Play

Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov will be looking to get back to form in the Champions League last 16 match against Marseille.

Berbatov has been forced to take a little bit of a back seat in recent weeks as Wayne Rooney has started to return to his imperial best. However, Berbatov still has a lot of important goals to score in the weeks ahead if United are going to be successful on more than one front this season.

Berbatov should start this game if Sir Alex Ferguson decides that a systematic 4-4-2 is the best formation to use in France. However, a 4-5-1 will also be going through the manager’s mind and Berbatov will have to fight hard against Rooney to be the sole striker in attack.

There is a an argument that they can both play in a 4-5-1 because Rooney has a big enough work ethic and work rate that allows him to play wider in the team. Rooney dropping to a flank would allow Berbatov to stay right at the very top of the attack and destroy teams in similar ways he’s already done this season.

Berbatov is very good in possession of the ball and holding the play up is key to bringing other players from the midfield of a side into the game. Berbatov is also very good at laying little balls out to the wing where wingers can use possession to get past the full backs and in behind on goal.

The Bulgarian has a better predatory instinct in front of goal than any other player in the United team. One chance could make the difference against Marseille because the tie will be very tight over the two legs. It’s important United have someone in the team who is ready and sharp enough to convert even the smallest of half chances.

Berbatov is yet to get off the mark in the Champions League this season but is 11/2 to score first and 19/10 to score at any point.