Pressure on Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov should be looking to show Sir Alex Ferguson why he is still the main man at Manchester United.

Berbatov has been unlucky that a surge in the form of Javier Hernandez came at the tip when his own form started to dip. Berbatov has been forced to sit on the bench for most of the recent past and has started to look like the frustrated and sulky figure of last season.

However, the Bulgarian has statistically been the best striker at the club this season. It is now up to him to score goals when he is given a chance because this is the only thing that will keep him in the side once he gets his place back.

Berbatov is likely to play in this game because Ferguson will have to cope without the banned Wayne Rooney. United have important games coming up in both Europe and the Premier League, which the best attacking players at United have to be fit for.

Berbatov is a striker who can come into the side and play in any established formation. He can play with a partner or he can be a target man because of his height and his power. Berbatov has to take either of these roles with both hands and make the most of it.

Improvisation is a big part of the way he plays and another key area which could be important during the match with Fulham. Fulham will not be easy to get through thanks to a disciplined defence. This means it could be a piece of improvisation which ultimately makes the difference.

Berbatov’s hat-trick against Liverpool in the league earlier in the season was a classic example of skill and improvisation. The overhead kick that he scored to round off the hat-trick was a superb bit of improvisation that was impossible for Liverpool to defend against. More of the same is needed.

Ferguson has to find a way of bringing out the positive aspects of Berbatov’s attitude over the next couple of weeks. This is not the time for an unhappy or frustrated striker to sulk and then spread those feelings around the rest of a squad that is trying to achieve big things.