Berba puts best foot forward

DIMITAR BERBATOV continued to outshine Wayne Rooney for Manchester United last night as he began by promising “to create beautiful things on the pitch” and stayed true to his word by inspiring his side to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Newcastle United in a game in which magical team-mate Paul Scholes was the real artist.

The Bulgarian opened the scoring at Old Trafford, his second in two matches this season, and together with Scholes stole the headlines from misfiring Rooney who was substituted after 71 minutes having failed to open his account for the new season.

United fans should not be unduly worried, however, because Rooney’s performance included plenty of positive moments and Berbatov appears to be warming to Alex Feruguson’s suggestion that this ‘could be his season’.

Berbatov, by opening the scoring against Newcastle last night, took another critical step in rescuing a reputation that was badly damaged by a stuttering and disappointing opening period at Old Trafford.

There are growing signs that the striker is finally coming to terms with the problems of playing for United and learning to express himself in the way Ferguson always hoped he would.

His interview in last night’s match day programme was revealing.

“I just want to play well, enjoy myself and score and make goals,” he said. “Football is like art and my aim is to create beautiful things on the pitch to help the team be successful.”

Comparisons with Eric Cantona are inevitable – especially if he continues to give interviews like that – and have added to the pressure since he arrived from north London, but when Berbatov is in full flow it’s true you can see glimpses of the Gallic flair that made King Eric a legend in these parts.

What is different, patently, is that, until now, Berbatov didn’t share the innate, unswerving self-confidence that made Cantona a cult hero.

There have even been reports he has been beset by self-doubt during his time at Old Trafford, driven to distraction by a feeling he was unworthy of the money spent on him.

That is now beginning to change because although his collar remains metaphorically down, Berbatov is starting to believe he deserves to play in this setting. His growing belief was rewarded in the 33rd minute when United, having survived a strong opening spell from Newcastle in which striker Andy Carroll missed an excellent chance, took the lead.

Antonio Valencia showed excellent tenacity to win back the ball in midfield, Paul Scholes produced another wonderful through-ball and Berbatov whipped home an instant right-foot shot past keeper Steve Harper.

The match was all but over eight minutes later when Fletcher turned neatly on a Patrice Evra cross to fire home from 10 yards and it could have been three had Berbatov not inexplicably rolled a shot wide in the second half when Rooney’s wonderful flick put him clean through on goal.

The Bulgarian had two more excellent chances before sub Ryan Giggs produced a trademark volley from another excellent Scholes pass to wrap up the scoring in the 86th minute.

The scoreline was a little harsh on Newcastle who had started the game well and worked hard to stem the tide in the second half and it also leaves question marks over Rooney. But the performance of Scholes, and the growing influence of Berbatov augurs well for United.

“The most important thing was to win the game and we managed to do that,” said Scholes. “We could have scored more goals but you’ll take 3-0 at the start of the season. Our third goal was a great goal to watch and I enjoyed it. We looked like we were going to score every time we went forward.”

At the age of 35 you have to admire his performance and he was quick to shrug off suggestions it could be his last season at Old Trafford: “I haven’t set any limits, hopefully I’ll keep going and keep getting in the team. ”

Ferguson, who was impressed with Scholes, said: “He showed at his age, you don’t lose what he’s got: passing, vision, and he’s still got a good appetite for the game.

“The game needs that. There’s plenty of good players in our country. Sometimes we beat ourselves up about the standard but there’s plenty of good in it.”

Ferguson felt Newcastle provided his side with a good early test.

“They got into the Premier League last season by being determined, good work ethic, good unit and we saw that tonight,” he said. “They were difficult to break down at times.

“We were wasteful with some chances. Dimitar Berbatov could have scored three or four, but his performance was excellent.

“The three points is always important in your first home match. For most of the game we controlled it, we passed the ball well at times. It was a steady performance.”

Subs for United: Hernandez for Rooney 63, Giggs for Nani 71, Rafael Da Silva for Evra 87.

Subs for Newcastle: Ameobi for Nolan 71,Xisco for Gutierrez 80.

Referee: Chris Foy 8 – The fact that he was barely noticed during the match is a good sign; he allowed the game to flow and made early bookings to control the match

Match rating: *** – Not a match that hit the heights but United scored good goals and will be happy with their start to the season

Man of the match: Paul Scholes – Once again the midfielder was by far the best player on the pitch, setting up two of United’s goals and producing a wonderful array of passing.