After arriving from Tottenham in a huge £30.75m transfer in 2008, there was always going to be plenty of expectations resting on the shoulders of Dimitar Berbatov. Unfortunately, it looks as though he has definitely failed in his mission to live up to such a price tag, with the Bulgarian announcing that he wants to leave Old Trafford due to the lack of first team opportunities that have been put his way.
While Berbatov has managed to score a total of 57 goals during his time at United, and actually finished as top scorer during the 2010/11 campaign, he has always had a hard time in being a regular in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. He has constantly struggled for form and after making just 21 appearances last term, most people have been expecting the 31-year-old to depart for a while.
It now appears as though that departure could be coming sooner rather than later, with Berbatov announcing through his official website that he is seeking a new challenge. He said, “I love this club, but I am not going to be useful to anyone if I am not playing. I want to play, I want to help, but for unknown reasons it’s not going to happen. So it’s better for everyone if we say goodbye. If not, I am professional and I will keep doing everything I can to help my team and my teammates, whenever I have the opportunity to do so.”
With Berbatov now the fourth choice striker at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson will probably not be too bothered about losing the former Bayer Leverkusen man. In fact, it was only several months ago that Fergie claimed that the striker could be on his way, as the club can no longer guarantee him any type of first team football. It now appears as though both parties have got their wish and considering his talent, it should not be too long before he finds another club.