Posts Tagged ‘Dimitar Berbatov’

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Ferguson: I have found my Cantona in Berbatov

March 10th, 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Boss, seeing the ability of winning games on his own compared Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov with legend Eric Cantona.

What supports Ferguson’s point more is that in European competitions, the 28-year old striker trumps the iconic Frenchman when it comes to goal scoring record.

Critics have claimed that Cantona in his 16 appearances, during his stint in between 1993 and 1997, scored just five goals. This was unexpected from someone, who was unstoppable in domestic level. For them, it was disappointing that he was not able to carry his League form onto the European stage.

Ferguson is hoping that Berbatov perks up his record of 32 goals in 57 appearances during the game against Inter on Wednesday.

The reason for the manager to compare Berbatov with Cantona is his striking capabilities. In the previous week, the Bulgarian scored his 13th goal for United against Newcastle. It was the fourth occasion since Christmas that he recorded a winner.

Stating in front of the Daily Express, Ferguson said, ‘Of his overall tally, 4-5 Berbatov goals have allowed us to win important fixtures. I feel that like Cantona, he also scores some important goals for the club.’

‘Berba has been coming along nicely into the game and is well into the double figures now when it comes to goal scoring. If he keeps on scoring important goals like the one he had at Newcastle, we are bound to sustain the winning form and will get the quintuple, which is our primary aim this season.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Manchester United Vs Chelsea: Red Devils register a thumping win over Chelsea

January 12th, 2009

Return of former Chelsea Boss, Jose Mourinho, to the Premier League didn’t help his side, as the Blues were crushed by Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Chelsea suffered their worst defeat at the Theater of Dreams in 15 years and saw their opponents ease to comfortable win after Nemanja Vidic broke the deadlock in the stoppage time of the first half.

Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov scored the other two goals for Red Devils and crushed Blues’ hopes of continuing their unbeaten run on away soil.

Initial stages saw great defense from both the sides with Gary Neville and John Terry leading the charge respectively. However, once the first goal was scored, Sir Alex Ferguson made it tough for Scholari’s men in both attack and defense.

Although Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole did come close, they lacked finishing. Even, the inclusion of top scorer Nicolas Anelka in the second half failed to produce any positive results.

This victory allowed United to jump to the third spot on the league table. With two games still in hand, there are possibilities of them reaching the top spot.

Meanwhile at JJB Stadium, Jermaine Defoe’s return to his former club did not work, as Spurs lost 1-0 with a late goal from Maynor Figueroa at JJB Stadium.

Defoe didn’t have a single shot on goal and foiled all strategies of Spurs Boss, Harry Redknapp.

With this loss, Spurs have moved back into the relegation zone and may require strong character from all its players to make a comeback.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

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Berbatov keen to taste success this season

January 9th, 2009

Manchester United Striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has expressed his desire to end his first season at Old Trafford with a minimum of two major pieces of silverware.

Berbatov played a vital role in helping Tottenham Hotspur, his former team to clinch the Carling Cup last season and the Bulgarian is looking forward to win more honours with United this year.

While speaking to the FourFour Two Magazine, he said, ‘It is really great for me to be a part of this great team in spite of coming from a very small country like Bulgaria.

‘I have achieved a lot in my two years stay at Tottenham, but currently I am focussed after moving on to the biggest club in the world.’

The United Striker also added that his team Manchester United surely belongs to the Champions League. His current team won both the Premier League and the Champions League last season. It was a real dream for every player to be in such a team and he just missed it.

‘I want to have the taste of success in United this year.’

Currently the Red Striker has become a real figure of hate at the White Hart Lane following a move to Old Trafford.

However, the Bulgarian player believes to receive a warmer reception after the two teams square off in the ongoing FA cup in January.

Meanwhile, the most anticipated match following the New Year will take place on this side when Chelsea takes on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

With the Blues having a fantastic unbeaten away record and Red Devils looking to maintain their wonderful home record, Theatre of Dreams will witness another fascinating encounter.

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Posted in Celtic, Man U

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Ferguson remains contented as Red Devils close in on Liverpool

December 30th, 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Boss, is pleased with the fact that his side will be heading into the New Year filled with confidence.

Red Devils’ 1-0 victory over a struggling Middlesbrough on Monday in the Theater of Dreams has closed their gap on Chelsea and League leaders Liverpool. Their difference with the Reds has gone down to 7 points with United still having a couple of games in hand.

Ferguson said, ‘We’re currently in good position. With two games in hand and both being at home, it will surely give us an opportunity to further close down the gap.’

Red Devils struggled to break the defense of a resilient Boro side. They created 25 chances, but had only the goal from Dimitar Berbatov in the 69th minute for showing their efforts.

Bulgarian Captain volleyed a ball from close range in front of a packed Old Trafford Stadium, following a left wing cross from Michael Carrick that bounced off David Wheater.

Berbatov replaced Carlos Tevez, who was the match winner from Boxing Day game against Stoke, after the Argentinean returned home on family issues.

Former Spurs Forward along with Rooney, Park, Ronaldo, Vidic and Rafael squandered simple chances or else the score line would have been completely different.

This was United’s second successive 1-0 victory. Now, they have scored just 3 goals from their last 4 games.

Ferguson did admit the inability of his side’s to convert opportunities was a concern for everyone. However, he believes that with the class available in Manchester United, this problem will soon be resolved.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Redknapp: No plans to sale Pavlyuchenko

December 13th, 2008

Harry Redknapp rubbished all reports, which said that he has been planning to sell Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Reports released on Friday revealed that Spurs Boss was willing to sell his striker whenever transfer window reopens, as he hasn’t be impressed by the Russian’s performance.

After arriving from Spartak Moscow just before the transfer window closed, Pavlyuchenko has been able to score only 7 goals at White Hart Lane.

Redknapp insisted that he has got no plans of selling his forward, as he’s already falling short of strikers in his side.

‘That’s total rubbish,’ said Redknapp while speaking to a reporter. ‘I’ve got only 2 strikers available with me for Saturday’s game against Manchester United, as Fraizer Campbell is out with a calf strain.’

‘The 2 strikers, who will be playing, are Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent. So how will I even think of offloading anyone?’

‘Pavlyuchenko is a talented player and it’s impossible for me to let go of him at this stage.’

Again, Redknapp admitted that the club didn’t have any specific transfer target in the coming transfer seasons.

‘We’re not ready to dive-in on players and pay huge some for them, as our chairman isn’t going to allow that.’

‘We just need to wait and watch. If clubs will ask for extortionate amount for their players, who interest us, we’ll ignore them.’

Meanwhile, Redknapp confirmed that former Spurs forward, Dimitar Berbatov, will not get abused similar to Sol Campbell earlier in the season.

He said ‘What happened on that day was different and will not be repeated. Yes, he can get some stick, which he should expect, but not to the extent of what Campbell received?’

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Posted in Premier League, Tottenham

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Pavlyuchenko: I am looking forward to emulate Berbatov

December 6th, 2008

Spurs’ striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko, seems fully determined for filling in the boots vacated by Bulgaria’s Dimitar Berbatov.

Arrival of Pavlyuchenko to the White Hart Lane during the final stages of the transfer window was thought to be a panic purchase, as Robbie Keane left for Liverpool and Berbatov was almost certain to be a Red Devil.

However, the 26-year-old, after a stutter in the beginning, has been playing well for the side. He has 6 goals in last 8 appearances.

Russia international, who made a considerable impact in the Euro 2008, was welcoming comparisons with the player, whom he inherited his #9 shirt from.

Pavlyuchenko said, ‘It was Berbatov, who played here before me. He scored considerably during his stay at the club. I’ll be, as a replacement of the Bulgarian, expected to score in the same numbers and I realize that.’

‘He is one of the best playmakers in the game. If people compare me to him, it’s a complement and I don’t have a problem with that.’

Despite scoring during only his 3rd appearance for the White Hart Lane Club, Pavlyuchenko had a battle under former Spurs’ Manager, Juande Ramos.

However, Harry Redknapp has kept everything simple for him, even while giving instructions to Pavlyuchenko through his interpreter.

It was the guile of the manager that helped him to come off the bench and score a last-gasp winner against Liverpool, which helped Spurs’ in wining a game they should have lost.

Only time will tell how long can Pavlyuchenko go and fill the vacancy left by Keane and Berbatov, but currently he has been performing well and helping his side attain respectability in the Premier League table.

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Posted in Premier League, Tottenham

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Ferguson: O’Neil is amongst the top Premier League managers

November 21st, 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson feels that Martin O’Neill has the talent to lead Aston Villa into the top four of this season.

While he was managing Celtic, O’Neill was amongst the front runner for Ferguson’s job at Old Trafford, when there were rumors of Manchester United boss stepping down from his job.

As the Scot ruled out any possibility of stepping down in the immediate future, his name drifted out of contention.

However, he accepted the challenge offered by Villa owner, Randy Lerner, with both hands and has assembled an inspiring squad that is packed with young talent of the league.

After brief stutters, victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium has taken Midlands giants on equal points with Gunners in the league table.

Ferguson feels that it is possible that Villa can end the season by toppling one of the Top Four sides in the league.

Ferguson said, ‘They have the ingredients to finish in top four.’

‘They’re currently on level terms with Arsenal and catching on us in the table. This is a great position for them to be in and will lead to an interesting final stage of the league.’

‘Without any doubt, Martin is amongst the best managers of the game.’

‘The only way to judge managers is by their performance over a period. His record with Leicester, Celtic & now at Villa is enough to count him amongst the topmost in the league.’

Meanwhile, Ferguson was worried ahead of an encounter with Aston Villa at Villa Park, as Dimitar Berbatov received a hamstring injury during Bulgaria’s friendly against Serbia.

It was revealed that Berbatov will not be available for at least 2 weeks. However, Ferguson confirmed that the injury was not serious and he will be match fit soon.

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Posted in Aston Villa, Man U

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Maradona: Tevez is worried about his future as a Red Devil

November 13th, 2008

Argentinean Legend, Diego Maradona, feels that Carlos Tevez is concerned about his future, not only at Manchester United but also for his country.

There are several rumors spread across Old Trafford, as Red Devil’s star forward continues to play for the club without security of new contract.

Right now, Argentinean forward is in his last year of loan deal from Media Sports Investments, which’s a 3rd-party company that owns his legal right. The worrying factor for Tevez is that there are doubts over whether the club is willing for forking out US$ 51 million required for securing his services permanently.

Recent acquisition of Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has used up a huge portion of club’s transfer budget. At the same time, Berbatov’s presence has also created a strong competition to Tevez in the forward line.

Maradona, who is the current national coach of Argentina, is worried with the fact that limited first-team opportunities for Tevez can harm his chances of getting national call-ups in the future.

Maradona said, ‘I feel Tevez’s currently worried about not being in the first-choice team of United.’

‘He has a challenge ahead for winning a place amongst an extremely talented bunch of players, which include the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney.”

With the likes of Diego Milito, Lionel Messi, Ezequiel Lavezzi, German Denis and Sergio Aguero gunning for a place in the national side, lack of exposure might see Tevez plummeting down attacking hierarchy.

However, Maradona showed full faith in the ‘Apache’ and feels that he will make use of whatever opportunities he’s provided by the Red Devils. This spirit was even visible during the 4th round Carling Cup encounter, where he scored the only goal for United against QPR.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Ferguson: We’re ready for the big game on Saturday

November 6th, 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s Boss, is hopeful that his side’s draw against Celtic in the UEFA Championships League match on Wednesday might pave the way to a victory in Saturday’s encounter against Arsenal.

Although United took 84 minutes for breaking down stubborn resistance of their opponent at Parkhead, the dominance they showed in the second half deserved a 1-1 draw.

Again, the manner of play showed by Red Devils, which has seen considerable improvement after Berbatov’s record signing, has built a belief in Ferguson that they can register their first victory at Emirates Stadium after coming very close last time.

Ferguson said, ‘The result has done no harm to us’.

‘Main thing was that we didn’t lose and what was more inspiring was our second half showing against a very tough side.’

‘We’re ready for the big game on this Saturday.’

Speaking on his squad, he said ‘With the lineup available to us, it’s impossible to decide on whom to rest and field.’

Meanwhile Arsenal midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, was looking for his side to show their mettle against the current Premier League Champions.

Arsenal has been inconsistent throughout this season and I feel we’ve the talent for the result to be in our favor.

‘Although we have gone 3 games without a win (including goalless draw against Fenerbahce on Wednesday), I still feel that victory against the Red Devils might do it for us,’ said the Spaniard star of EURO 2008.

Speaking on the hectic schedule that his side has got with as many as 4 games in less than two weeks, he said ‘It’s already very demanding playing in the Premier league. And if you’ve got Champions League games with it, then it gets worse.’

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Posted in Arsenal, Man U

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Ferdinand: Berbatov’s arrival has worked for Rooney

October 17th, 2008

Manchester United England defender, Rio Ferdinand, thanked new draftee of the club, Dimitar Berbatov, for his role in inspiring Wayne Rooney.

Rooney has scored five goals in last three appearances in England’s color, after going through a draught in the international arena for a year.

Ferdinand believes that arrival of Berbatov on the deadline-day of transfer period at the Old Trafford Club has helped in lifting the game of former Everton forward.

In an interview, Ferdinand said ‘Rooney has been confident and playing well in the past few games.’

‘To be honest, amongst the few reasons, which made me happy in regards to Berbatov signing, was that I had a feeling he is going to inspire other players of the club for stepping their game up to another level.’

‘It is not just forwards, but other players in the club too, who have felt the impact of his arrival. When new players arrive, this is what generally happens.’

‘Everyone are looking forward to impress the new player and show him, why they are a Red Devil.’

‘Initially, I felt Rooney and Berbatov are going to be great in pair. However, what I’ve noticed is that Rooney has become better individually and started playing in another zone after his arrival.’

Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez has distanced himself from media’s criticism of being out of form in the current season.

Speaking to PA Sports, Argentinean striker said ‘I am not facing difficulties playing in the Premier League.’

‘Neither the position I play nor do long periods staying goalless worry me, if my team is playing well. And currently, we are getting back to winning ways in every league that we are a part of.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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