Player review: Berbatov

Berba continued to polarise opinion in the stands during 2009/10, despite his undeniable contribution to United’s quest for silverware…

Story of the season: He has had his critics since he swapped White Hart Lane for Old Trafford, but there is no denying the valuable contribution Dimitar Berbatov has made to the United cause over the last two campaigns, both as a scorer and creator of goals. He began five of the opening 10 games alongside Wayne Rooney last season, but Sir Alex’s decision to deploy a 4-5-1 formation, spearheaded by Rooney, in United’s most important clashes ultimately led to the Bulgarian playing a reduced role as the season progressed. Nevertheless, when called upon, the striker proved he was more than capable of leading the line himself with his performances at Wolves and Bolton, and at home to Tottenham catching the eye. Indeed, United’s 4-0 victory at the Reebok included Berba’s first double for the club (on the back of a Man of the Match display against Fulham), while it was his marauding run down the left wing that led to the opening goal in the crucial win over his former club in April. He fired a couple of exquisite strikes during the season, with his scissor-kick against Sunderland and shot on the turn against Blackburn both shortlisted for United’s Goal of the Season.

Finest moment: Facing his former club in the penultimate home match, Berbatov soared in the sunshine and dazzled Spurs into conceding the first of two penalties converted by Ryan Giggs. His performance was of the creative kind that persuaded Sir Alex to part with all that cash. And showing a more physical side, Berbatov made up for the easy ride given to Chelsea’s Alex and Terry by dishing it out to Dawson and King.

What’s in store: Speculation about an ignominious summer exit for United’s record buy was rife at the business end of 2009/10. However, Sir Alex seems loathe to let the Bulgarian go; he remains appreciative of Dimitar’s capability for brilliance and the education his experience could bring to a burgeoning crop of young strikers at Old Trafford.

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Foster joins Birmingham

United have completed the sale of Ben Foster to Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee.

The England-capped goalkeeper has signed a three-year contract with Alex McLeish's side.

Foster arrived from Stoke City in July 2005, and spent his first two seasons as a United player on loan at Watford, where his excellent form led to an international debut in February 2007.

His second campaign at Vicarage Road was curtailed by a cruciate knee ligament injury, delaying his United debut until March 2008.

A hero of United's 2008/09 Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham, Ben's first sustained spell of involvement came in the early part of last season.

However, the enduring excellence of Edwin van der Sar restricted Foster to just one appearance in 2010, prompting him to move in search of regular first-team football.

Everybody at Manchester United would like to wish Ben well for the future.

 

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Boss confirms Foster bid

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed United have accepted a bid from Birmingham City for goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Speaking at the New York launch of Tour 2010, the boss said: "I think Ben deserves the opportunity to do better for himself. That's the reason we accepted the offer. I still feel very strongly about this... I think he's the best English goalkeeper in England."

News sources in England were reporting on Tuesday that the 27 year-old was expected to complete a medical and agree personal terms before the end of the week. Foster joined United in July 2005 but has made just 23 appearances for the club.

United have been linked with a number of established goalkeepers from the European leagues in recent weeks, but Sir Alex told reporters in New York that he would place his faith in young stopper Ben Amos.

Amos, 20, has made just one first-team appearance (vs Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup third round in 2008/09), although he has consistently impressed for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reserve team this term.

Sir Alex said: "When we decided to let Ben [Foster] go, we were in the process of letting a good young goalkeeper, Ben Amos, go out on loan. He's in the England Under-21 team but we can only accommodate three goalkeepers. So when the situation with Ben [Foster]'s future at United came into it and we agreed to let him go, we stopped Ben Amos from going on loan.

"He will now be our third keeper. He's very talented and has a good future ahead of him."

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