Manchester United’s previously under-achieving Bulgarian ex-international striker Dimitar Berbatov is the toast of the red half of Manchester, after his sublime hat-trick overcame bitter North-West rivals Liverpool last weekend.

The result was a timely boost for a United side frustrated by draws in their previous two games – throwing away two EPL points at Everton and failing to break down a desperately defensive Glasgow Rangers in their UEFA Champions League group stage opener.

And United successfully opened their defence of the Carling Cup, and their quest for a three-in-a-row in the competition, when their fringe squad overcame a potentially difficult tie at npower Championship side Scunthorpe.

 

There are still nagging worries off the field, however, surrounding manager Alex Ferguson and his controversial latest signing, Portuguese youngster Bebe.

Against Liverpool, Berbatov scored with a header and a spectacular overhead kick, as United went two-up shortly after half-time and withstood a Liverpool/Steven Gerrard comeback before another Berbatov header on 84 minutes from time gave them a deserved victory.

Their delight at this win was in contrast to their frustrations after a much-changed, and weakened, United selection was shut out by Rangers’ blanket defence in a dull Champions League tie.

Ferguson came under stinging criticism for his selection policy which, some claimed, showed complacency and a lack of respect for the SPL champions.

This is not the only controversy in which the phenomenally successful Scot is currently embroiled.

He is still refusing to meet EPL requirements by giving post-match interviews to the BBC. It remains to be seen what action the EPL will take, although the club seem sure to be fined.

Reports suggest a possible £25,000 sanction for each individual discretion, which could amount to up to £1m. This level of sanction is thought unlikely, however.

 

Ferguson has refused to talk to the BBC since they transmitted a documentary in 2004 alleging that his son Jason’s football agency dealings were less than above board.

And the United supremo could be contemplating similar action against the Guardian newspaper in the UK.

The paper has recently raised questions about the propriety of the unorthodox £7.5m deal which took unknown Portuguese youngster Bebe to Old Trafford, expenditure that Ferguson sanctioned without having seen the player – in total contrast to his recent transfer market reticence and something he has never done before.

The Guardian highlighted the previously-unheralded role of well-known Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes, who replaced the player’s former agent Goncalo Reis at a time still unclear.

United claim to have been watching the 20-year-old since last year, and to have fought off interest from other “top European clubs,” despite having shown no interest in the player when he was available on a free transfer as recently as May.

Bebe made his United entrance as a late substitute at Scunthorpe, impressing in his short cameo. Two goals from Michael Owen and a man-of-the-match display from keeper Tomas Kuszczak helped United to a 5-2 win.

United visit near-neighbours Bolton Wanderers in the EPL at noon this coming Sunday.