Manchester United's Robin Van Persie Is Everything What Berbatov Was Meant To Be!

There has, and there will always be just a fine line between success and failure. The longer you dwell on the mistake before rectifying it, the larger the gap becomes. In competitive sport especially, mistakes are magnified as success and failure hang on the proverbial knife edge. Very few make the grade, as most eventually get found out. Yet for some the demarcations are not that clearly defined, their story is one of the 50 shades of grey, neither black nor white. Perhaps, reasonable success/failure is how one can define their saga, somewhat.

Berbatov_Manchester United — The bubble never inflated enough

Circa summer of 2008 and a lethal hit-man arrived at Old Trafford seconds before the close of the transfer window. Whatai??i??s more, the new arrival snubbed the advances of the other club from Manchester and in the process endeared himself to Red Devils worldwide. This wasnai??i??t another run-of-the-mill swapping of the clubs by a player but on the contrary a A?30 million acquisition of a renowned superstar by arguably the most famous club in the world. Itai??i??s fair to say this particular transfer made the world sit up and take notice.

Manchester United had already won back to back league crowns and had added a third European crown to their glorious cabinet. This marquee signing was a mark of intent, more so it meant United had added an extra dimension to the plethora of attacking talent at their disposal. Ever since Eric Cantona left these shores, Sir Alex Ferguson had longed for that persona, that aura and that echelon of audacity among his squad. Manchester Unitedai??i??s new poster boy was supposed to bring the chutzpah and paint the Theatre of Dreams canvas a new shade of crimson.

Yet, the prophecy never quite came to life. It was, maybe, too good to be true.

Dimitar Berbatov sure had his moments, most notably that memorable hat-trick at Old Trafford against Liverpool that included an outrageous overhead kick. The incredible piece of skill against the Hammers that set up Cristiano Ronaldo for a tap in will forever be etched in United hearts. The Bulgarian was capable of such sublime feats, in fact he could sleep walk through games and that, perhaps, was part of the problem. Berbatov to his credit played a pivotal role in Unitedai??i??s record breaking 19^th title and during Rooneyai??i??s prolonged absence due to reasons more than one, the Bulgarian often carried the team through.

But, eventually both Rooney and then Hernandez edged Dimitar out of the side as the Berbatov story at Old Trafford turnedAi?? almost heartbreaking at the very end.Ai?? The Bulgarian definitely stayed at the club one season too many and it was painful for many supporters to see him left out in the cold. Sir Alex Ferguson though, had only the clubai??i??s best interest in mind; the Scot had given his prized asset the best chance of flowering into an acknowledged success but it wasnai??i??t just meant to be.Ai?? Much like Sebastian Veron in many ways but unlike the Argentine, Berba actually tasted mixed success and prolonged persistence from Fergie, the manager finally allowed his once blue eyed boy to leave.

Once bitten, twice shy? No, not for Fergie, the United manager splashed the cash yet again to land RVP in a bid to find that final elusive piece of the jigsaw. A signing which yet again turned heads and raised eyebrows but less than six months on has proved to be an unmitigated success. The Dutchman has undeniably brought back the swagger and captured the imagination of each and every United fan of past and present and of all ages alike.

Most importantly, Robin Van Persie has given the club that invincible feeling that was prevalent in the days when one Cristiano Ronaldo ran Premier League defenses ragged. Also, the similarities to the great Eric Cantona are uncanny as RVP has turned a good United side to potentially an exceptional unit with his brilliance added into the mix.

Itai??i??s not a blot on Berbatov who served the club well and certainly not a potshot to ridicule the mercurial striker but Robin Van Perise has delivered possibly what the Berbatov signing was meant to. RVP has lead from the front and when the going has been tough, the Dutchman has responded to the call of duty. Goals against City, former club Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and in both games against Liverpool have proved Van Persieai??i??s fondness for the big stage.

Very often, Berbatov was found wanting on such enormous occasions and slowly and steadily found himself missing from these titanic duels in place of Rooney and then Hernandez and even Welbeck as the manager eventually lost confidence in his player. Robin Van Persie on the other hand is the first name on the team sheet, his presence is indispensable. And this is where the former Tottenham star couldnai??i??t step up and make himself untouchable in that regard.

Manchester United welcome Fulham to the Theatre of Dreams this weekend for a F.A. Cup fifth round encounter.Ai?? A familiar face will lineup in the opposition ranks and all eyes will surely be on him. Berba is sure to get a warm welcome from the Old Trafford faithful despite one or two unsavory comments about his former boss since bidding a long overdue adieu.

Berbatov might even score a goal, celebrate or refuse do so to honor United fans who loved him for most parts, but nothing shall change his status as an enigma and a costly one at that. On the other hand, RVP perhaps may not even make the starting XI and will be saved for fiercer and significant battles that lay ahead. Ai??Berbatov will be remembered in and around M16, fondly for sure, but also with a sense of what could have been.

Manchester United’s Robin Van Persie Is Everything What Berbatov Was Meant To Be!

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