Manchester United boss
Sir Alex Ferguson has complete
faith in Dimitar Berbatov going into today's showdown with
Chelsea.
It is obvious the loss of Wayne Rooney causes him a problem
ahead of Saturday's top of the table clash with Chelsea.
Yet, in making a single striker his preferred formation, in
which Berbatov has no role, Ferguson has given himself an instant
replacement.
The Bulgarian cannot be expected to match Rooney's work-rate -
few in the United squad could - but the Red Devils spent a club
record £30.75million on him for a reason and Ferguson does not
expect the former Tottenham
striker to let him down in his hour of need.
"I haven't liked leaving Dimitar out - and now he is in," said
the United boss, who is aware public perception of Berbatov is not
totally favourable.
"The split must be 80-20 in his favour.
"If we sign a big player and he is not scoring 50 goals a
season, including 16 overhead kicks, you are always going to get a
discerning voice.
"Everyone has their own favourites and supporters have diverse
views.
"I used to get a letter from a supporter saying I was off my
head because I wasn't playing Steve Bruce at centre forward,
although in fairness it was probably Brucie writing it himself or
his granny."
Berbatov has produced a couple of battling performances in
Rooney's absence lately, which have guided United to crucial
victories at Wolves and
Bolton.
He is more likely to attack with a sword than a sledgehammer,
but Ferguson is confident Chelsea will still feel the same thrust.
"The one thing you cannot dismiss is Dimitar's ability and
talent," he said.
"He is a fantastic player.
"He can play on his own up front. What you need is to give him
good support."
