Docherty: Berbatov is a disaster
Former Manchester United manager Tommy Docherty has hit out at Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, saying he has been a massive flop at Old Trafford so far.
The 28-year-old joined the Premier League and European Cup holders from Tottenham on the final day of the summer transfer window for £30.75 million, and has bagged eight goals and nine assists in the league for Sir Alex Ferguson's side in 2008/09.
However, many observers are yet to be convinced by the marksman's seemingly languid style, with his weak penalty-kick in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Everton at Wembley doing little to appease his critics.
And Docherty, who took charge of 215 United games between 1972 and 1977, is one of them.
“Berbatov has been an absolute disaster," he said. "If it was up to me, I’d have dumped him months ago.
“The guy could get injured on A Question of Sport. He’s so dour and doesn’t seem interested. He should look at Carlos Tevez and see the way he always grafts to win the ball back.
“I’m sure someone will want to buy him in the summer, and United would cut the hand off anybody who offers near £30m.”
UNITED FANS! Check FourFourTwo.com’s ever-expandinginterviewsarchive for more stuff to read:
Web Exclusives Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Carlos Tevez
Q&A Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud Van Nistlerooy
One on One David Beckham, George Best
Ask A Silly Question Bryan Robson
Boy's A Bit Special Danny Simpson
Perfect XI Garth Crooks, Bryan Robson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona
What Happened Next? David May, Norman Whiteside
Sing When You’re Winning Dominic Monaghan, Ian Brown
And Another Thing Being a Big Four fan
Plus! Rate United players (and others) onTalentspotter
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression