Manchester United transfer rumors: Dimitar Berbatov wanted by Bayer Leverkusen
by Gene Um on Dec 28, 2011 8:42 AM GMT
in Manchester United: Transfer Talk
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It's that time of the year again when the transfer speculation comes in hot and heavy -- and often in a laughable manner. According to a report by Sky Sports, Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov may be looking for a move to German side Bayer Leverkusen -- a place where he spent five seasons prior to his move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2006. I actually don't doubt this desire when considering context. Berbatov's contract expires at season's end but United have the option to extend his contract by a year. This option by United is likely to be exercised if not for the simple reason that it would give them more bargaining power over any potential transfer.
As many are aware by now, Berbatov was the Golden Boot winner last season in the English Premier League but he still found himself overtaken in the pecking order by Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) for the run-in. Few expected the prolific striker to return to Old Trafford after he was omitted from the bench for United's UEFA Champions League final in May versus FC Barcelona -- an occurrence that was anticipated to be a final blow for his time at the club. However, the Bulgarian returned to the club this season without any public complaint* while falling further down the pecking order -- he is very much 4th choice at the moment behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, and Chicharito
* Whether this is because of a calculated move or simply because of his class, kudos to Berba for not pulling a Carlos Tevez in regards to this whole matter.
Unless United feel the necessity to raise funds for a January transfer -- due to a combination of the speculated financial constraints from the Glazer ownership and the need in midfield -- it still seems likely that United hold onto the talented striker. United are a side that still uses a two-striker system often and despite Berbatov being 4th-choice, that situation isn't as dire as it seems for a side that uses a lone striker. Injuries have ravaged United this season and perhaps that would make manager Sir Alex Ferguson hesitant to deal Berbatov. Even Welbeck and Chicharito have missed significant portions of this season due to injury -- and this even forgets the injury-prone Michael Owen. It would be hard to fault Berba if he wanted to depart but from a selfish point of view, I hope United extend his contract and that he at least stays until season's end. His four goals this week was a great showcase of the abundance of class that he still possesses.
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fingers crossed that he stays
He’s the coolest player we got
I agree.
In spurts, he has a whole skill set that differs from United’s other players. At his best, he can flick a cheeky goal and/or pass, maintain possession forever, confuse hyperactive opponents with his slow pace, fill-in at centre-back, etc. etc…
…And, other times he just disappears.
Still, can’t fault Berbatov’s class dealing with Fergie’s very un-classy passive-aggressive behavior (i.e. praise during interviews, leave off team for important matches), nor if he wants to move on and, you know, play frequently. (Worked out for Forlan, Pique and others…)
not sure if it's fair to call Fergie's behavior 'passive-aggressive'
This situations are always much more complicated than we are privy too. In addition, Fergie has proven a master at handling personalities, egos, etc… I would think he’s earned the benefit of the doubt with this.
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
Maybe "passive-aggressive" was too strong
But I for one would like Fergie to just come clean about his thoughts on Berba, instead of just point-blank praising him all the time (then not playing him).
Something’s gotta and gonna break (likely Berba’s attitude), and like everyone else it saddens me to see Berba waste away off the pitch.
Same here
I know this can’t last forever because Berbatov is not the type of players that just wants to sit on the bench and pick his nose, he’s a competitive guy who likes to earn his check, he’s meant to be a starter.
That being said, Ihope if we do sell him to Laverkusen its done in the summer instead of January because we just might need him. I say this because injuries have been a problem for us, with all the injuries we have had to our defence and to strikers Michael Owen, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, it dosen’t hurt at all to have a guy like Berba to call upon in case something happens and we need a quality striker to come in.
I mean he’s been on the bench for the majority of the 11-12 campaign and already has four goals, including the cheeky goal he scored off the bench againist Fulham. With not knowing when the injury bug will stop, when it will hit again and to who it’s safe to keep him around for depth purposes and for spot starts. We need any type of fire power we need to try to win the league and maybe even the FA Cup and Europa League.
Gene I have to agree I like how Berba is handling the situitation he’s in. Instead of bitching and complain that he’s on the bench like Tevez did and create a swath of negative media attention, he’s handling himself with dignity and class. Gotta love it.
Pittsburgh Sports: Creating sports history and legends since 1887.
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Proud supporter of the following clubs: Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, Erie Otters, Columbus Crew, Boston and the best football club in the land: Manchester United.
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by Bradley James McEachern on Dec 28, 2011 7:02 PM GMT up reply actions
Selfishly I want him to stay...
in this era of big squads, there are brilliant players like Berba who don’t get to play regularly. As a United fan, I want him to stay. A neutral though likely hopes Berba can feature regularly for another side. This past week shows that he still has it.
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
Pretty much sums up my feelings Gene
I mean as a United fan I want him to stay because he’s a great player to have on your side and for depth purposes. As a fan of the game as a whole, I want him to go wherever he’ll get the most playing time, because guy like Berba are not meant for the bench, guys like him are competitive and want to start so they can display their sklls to everyone around him. I mean this is a guy who has hardly started and already has four league goals (including scoring a goal off the bench againist Fulham) and the goal in the Carling Cup againist Aldershot Town.
Your right Gene, this past week shows that he still has it.
Pittsburgh Sports: Creating sports history and legends since 1887.
Ovechkin-Leich-Semin: The greatest line in hockey..............................Tee Hee
Proud supporter of the following clubs: Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, Erie Otters, Columbus Crew, Boston Celtics and the best football club in the land: Manchester United.
All hail Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, the big three, Emilio Renteria, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, Javier Hernandez and Nani for their brilliantness, defence and talent. God bless all of them.
The Manchester United Football Club: Winning countless trophies and making City fans jealous and full of envy since 1902.
The Boston Celtics Basketball Club: Searching for Banner 18 since 2008. One of these well get it.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Being an outright mastermind of football and mindgames since 1986.
by Bradley James McEachern on Dec 28, 2011 11:17 PM GMT up reply actions
30.75m on the bench =(
At least his occasional brilliance keeps us fans wanting more from time to time.
Even if he leaves next year (or whenever) I’ll forever remember him for his by-the-line flick vs West Ham and the super goal vs Liverpool.
No, he is not a flop.
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