Ferguson: Dimitar Berbatov Is Not Lazy

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his striker against allegations that he is lazy and doesn’t do enough for the team.

4 Jan 2009 12:27:52

Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov pretties himself up as he gets ready to rumble against his former club, Tottenham Hotspur (PA)

Teams

Man Utd.

Players

Dimitar Berbatov

The Bulgarian forward has gained the unwanted reputation during his time in the Premiership of being a rather lazy player, who drifts in and out of games and who only turns it on when he feels like it.

However, Ferguson has jumped quickly to the defence of the former Tottenham striker and pointed to a whole host of statistics to prove the opposite.

"I don't agree with the criticism that he slows us down. I don't agree with that at all. In fact, I don't think we have used him enough," the United boss said in the Daily Star Sunday.

"He's fine. It's like everything else. Whenever a player comes here, if there's a way of criticising him, they will find it. They are saying he's this and he's that. But his stats are incredible.

"He did more running against Middlesbrough on Monday night than any other front player, including Wayne Rooney.

"I think it's the languid style of his that's the problem. The stats, though, would surprise you. They don't surprise me.

"I don't always pay attention to stats, to be honest, yet it's good to know in this case."

Berbatov will be looking to prove his manager right today as Manchester United take on Southampton in the FA Cup third round.

Mathew Burt, Goal.com