Dimitar Berbatov's 2010/2011 Season At Manchester United Deserves To Be Called World Class

Dimitar Berbatov's turned himself into the world's top striker during an incredible 2010/2011 season at Manchester United.

Berbatov moved to United back in 2008 and it was a tough challenge breakthrough ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.

2009 would see Ronaldo and Tevez depart and despite oozing quality, Berbatov couldn't match the physical levels of Rooney.

But the following year, the Bulgarian proved he didn't need to make lung-busting runs and his technical ability arguably carried the Red Devils to a historic 19th Premier League title.

One key game came against bitter rivals Liverpool in September, with United running out 3-2 winners thanks to a Berbatov hat-trick.

A match winner like no other, the former Tottenham man tormented the Reds' defence and put them to the sword with a sublime overhead kick the pick of the lot.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told The Guardian following the game: "There was a lot of criticism of him last season from the media - it happens when we buy someone for a lot of money, that's the way of the world.

"But this season he has started off in the right fashion. He was good in pre-season and on tour and has carried it on. There has never been any doubt about the quality of the man."

Confidence had always been key for Berbatov and it's likely been forgotten, but he went 10 games without a goal after his Liverpool heroics.

What is the best way to break a scoring duct? By scoring five in a single game. Isn't that what any striker does?

Blackburn Rovers were left stunned on a cold November afternoon as Berbatov became the first non-Englishman in Premier League history hit a glut in a single game.

A third hat-trick of the season came against Birmingham City and he ended the campaign with 32 goals overall.

20 of those came in the Premier League and it was enough to grab the Golden Boot alongside former teammate Tevez, who was now at Manchester City.

United came up against Barcelona in the Champions League final and Berbatov was shockingly omitted from the entire squad.

They'd lose the game to Pep Guardiola's side 3-1, but you wonder what could've been if 'The Iceman' was allowed to strut his stuff while in the form of his life.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Dimitar Berbatov, Premier League

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_