Manchester United 3 Liverpool 2: A touch (or two) of genius from Berbatov rescues United after collapse

By Matt Lawton

A first United hat-trick against Liverpool in 64 years was quite a repayment, especially after his defensive colleagues contrived to throw away the two-goal advantage he had initially secured.


This was not just a victory against those Sir Alex Ferguson considers his team’s fiercest rivals.

This was a victory that made Manchester United’s manager look even smarter than usual.

Because Ferguson chose yesterday to focus on Dimitar Berbatov — and in particular on why he has stood by his £30million striker — and my, how the Bulgarian responded.

Ferguson wrote of Berbatov’s ‘touch of genius’ in the match programme, prompting a front-page headline that some players might have considered rather unhelpful before a match of this significance.

‘Off to a flier, Dimitar Berbatov has been unstoppable,’ it said.

‘More of the same is required today.’


Stunning: Berbatov's acrobatic second was a contender for goal of the season


As well as two brilliant headers, Berbatov managed to deliver that touch of genius (or touches, if truth be told) with his second.


First came the touch that controlled Nani’s chipped cross, then the stunning over-head kick that beat Pepe Reina via the underside of the crossbar.


‘You must persevere and trust your judgement, you must have faith, and I think we are being rewarded this season for our confidence in him,’ said Ferguson.

Six goals in five matches — seven in six if we include the Community Shield — would certainly suggest Berbatov is starting to feel comfortable as a United player.

Far more so than some of those in red at Old Trafford, judging by the way they allowed Liverpool to battle their way back after such an unambitious first half.

Ferguson complained his players had been ‘careless and wasteful’ in surrendering the advantage at Fulham and Everton and defensive indiscipline would have proved costly again had it not been for their in-form front man.

Two up after 59 minutes, they somehow allowed the irrepressible Steven Gerrard to level by the 70th with a penalty and a superb free-kick.

Although Berbatov scored again to secure the three points, it will worry Ferguson that his team keep doing this.

Liverpool had no right to a share of the points, given how disappointing they were.

Gerrard continues to impress — he was terrific yesterday in central midfield in front of Fabio Capello — but Roy Hodgson now has a very ordinary side, despite the quality in players like Reina, Jamie Carragher, Joe Cole and Glen Johnson.

Too many of the others just aren’t good enough to be in a club of Liverpool’s stature, and the team is suffering.


False dawn: Gerrard's celebrations would prove to be short lived


Yesterday’s game largely passed Raul Meireles by in his role behind Fernando Torres, while Maxi Rodriguez and Christian Poulsen offered nothing. Torres won both the penalty and the free-kick, but he also struggled.

He was at fault for Berbatov’s opening goal and he and United’s hero-of-the-hour now seem to be performing a sporting equivalent of Trading Places. Having made nine changes to the side that stuttered to a goalless draw against Rangers, Ferguson must have been happy enough with the opening 45 minutes.

United looked in control, aside from the shocking histrionics Nani used to try to gain an advantage. Ferguson, one hopes, will have a word.

The goal United deserved finally arrived three minutes before the break, Torres finding himself on the wrong side of Berbatov and so allowing his opposite number to meet a corner from Ryan Giggs with a super header, albeit one helped by Paul Konchesky’s decision to drift off the near post.


Heads above the rest: Berbatov rises above Carragher to head his third of the game


Nani almost extended the lead when he drove a shot against Reina’s left-hand post, but had to settle for role of provider with the ball that invited Berbatov to perform his personal piece of magic.

But then came what looked like a collapse. It was evidence that will ensure Ferdinand returns to United the moment he regains full fitness.


He left the stadium before the game yesterday because of flu-like symptoms, but there is a plan to play him in the Carling Cup against Scunthorpe tomorrow as he continues his rehabilitation for the knee injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

After Torres accelerated on to a brilliant pass from Cole, it was Jonny Evans who gave the penalty away — and it was a penalty, whatever Ferguson might think — with a reckless challenge on the Spaniard. Howard Webb pointed immediately to the spot, and Gerrard converted his 15th spot-kick in 16 attempts.

That John O’Shea then brought down Torres again — this time outside the box with a challenge Webb rightly punished with a yellow rather than red card — must have infuriated Ferguson.

But not as much as the sight of Darren Fletcher breaking away from the wall, presenting Gerrard with the space to slot his shot through. Fortunately for Fletcher and his fellow defenders, Berbatov was not finished. A cross from O’Shea was met with another wonderful header, with Carragher this time beaten by the Bulgarian in the air.
In those same programme notes, Ferguson spoke of what a ‘big season’ this is for Berbatov.

‘It could determine the rest of his career. But he has accepted the challenge and responded in a way that has made him one of our major successes so far. And there’s plenty more to come from him this season.’
Rarely has he been more prophetic.







source: dailymail