The ex-United striker has weighed in on which No.9 the Red Devils should target this summer as they continue moving on from the Portuguese legend
When Dimitar Berbatov joined Manchester United in 2008, they were Premier League and European champions. He walked into a dressing room containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Carlos Tevez, to name just a few.
But after playing his part in United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson and winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups and reaching the Champions League final twice, the Bulgarian is not overly impressed by the team’s achievements this season.
Erik ten Hag has delivered the Carabao Cup, taken United to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League, facing Sevilla in Thursday’s second leg after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week.
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The Red Devils are on track to finish in the top-four and return to the Champions League. But it is not nearly enough for Berbatov.
Getty'They need to fight for the big things'
“Is it crazy? In my mind United should be fighting for the top spot, like back in the day,” Berbatov, speaking on behalf of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, tells GOAL.
“Obviously times have changed, the power in football has shifted. But for United, this should not be qualified as this big success. They need to fight for the big things again and again.”
For Berbatov, United’s late capitulation against Sevilla showed how far they still need to come under Ten Hag.
“When I speak with people and tell them stories about my time at United, the word I'm always saying is concentration. Because this is the word that Sir Alex was telling us just right before we go to the pitch, concentrate until the 90-95 minutes.
“This is sometimes the problem, the lack of concentration when you are leading 2-0 and you think the game is finished. Well, it's not. It's not when you play someone like Sevilla.”
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe search for a striker
Berbatov, who scored 56 goals in 149 appearances for United, has little doubt about what Ten Hag's side are missing in order to take the next step and return to challenging for the biggest trophies.
“I think they need a centre forward. Someone who can bring goals,” he says. “You buy some centre forward and you say this is the guy who's bringing 25 goals. They need someone like this. They need to go and look for a class goalscorer.”
Since Ronaldo left, United have missed a big presence in the box. Although he is now back at full fitness, Anthony Martial has struggled with injuries throughout the season. Loan signing Wout Weghorst, meanwhile, has scored only two goals.
GettyIs Kane the answer?
Berbatov becomes animated when Harry Kane is suggested as United’s solution, although he does not think the England captain, who turns 30 in July, will leave Tottenham.
“You cannot argue with the goalscoring record of Harry Kane. He is one of the best of his generation in how he scores goals, how he plays the game, how he sees the game. And he's unbelievable,” he says.
“But the one concern I have is that age, he is [almost] 30 so nobody's getting any younger. And in my mind this is going to be a major concern if someone is going to buy him.
“I think that he's going to stay at Spurs, because in my mind his legacy is too big for Spurs. He’s [top] goalscorer of all time, he’s [top] goalscorer for England as well. He's a captain.
"When you say Spurs, the first thing on my mind is Harry Kane. So that legacy, it's just too big for him to tarnish. If he goes to a different club, I don't think anybody connected with Spurs will be happy. Everybody will be angry.”
@GettyOsimhen is the top choice
Having counted out Kane, Berbatov volunteers his top choice for United: Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian has scored 21 Serie A goals this season and spearheaded Napoli’s charge towards a first title since 1990. And he is still 24, with his best years ahead of him.
“It's so difficult because you need someone who's going to score goals. Someone who's going to be the right age so he can develop and get better and better and better. So you have to use him for years to come. In my mind, that is Osimhen,” Berbatov says.
“He's having an unbelievable season and he's doing great stuff. So this is the type of player I’d like to see for United.”