Time for Berbatov to wake up against Manchester United

After four years at Manchester United, Dimitar Berbatov will face his former club for the first time on Saturday when Fulham host the Premier League champions. Could the Bulgarian heap further misery on his former employers?

Berbatov joined the Cottagers at the beginning of last season after spending four years s at Old Trafford. The enigmatic striker scored a brace on his home debut for his new side and eventually finished up with an impressive tally of 15 league goals for the season.

He recorded a Squawka Performance Score of 1160 points for the last campaign, as he netted 15 times in 33 appearances. He comfortably ended the season as Fulham’s top scorer, with an average shot accuracy of 57%.

The Bulgarian also recorded three assists and created 46 chances for his team-mates last season, only midfielder Bryan Ruiz managed more in the Fulham team. His contribution to Martin Jol’s side made him a key part of any success that the London out fit enjoyed last season and the reported £4 million the club paid for him looked to be a real bargain.

However, the 32-year-old has struggled to recreate last seasons form since the beginning of the new campaign, scoring just once in his opening eight Premier League games. Berbatov isn’t noted for his work rate or battling qualities and with Fulham struggling at the start of this season, the striker’s contribution has dwindled.

Despite his uninspiring start to the season, neither David Moyes or the United defenders can underestimate a player who is capable of the spectacular and the unpredictable at any moment.

Berbatov has demonstrated in the past that he is just as capable of piling more pressure on his former employers with an inspiring display and a brand of football that only the Bulgarian can produce, as he is as letting the game pass him by whilst looking like he wants to be elsewhere.

The fact that you don’t know what you’re going to get with Berabtov is what makes him one of the most intriguing players to watch in the Premier League. He missed both games against United last season and he’ll no doubt be looking to show Old Trafford what they’re missing on Saturday.