Setanta's cracking live match on Saturday will see Dimitar Berbatov return to White Hart Lane for the first time since his acrimonious move to Old Trafford from Tottenham earlier this season.
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There have been some grumblings within the United support already this term about the effort shown in some of the Bulgarian’s performances and, in particular, his goal contribution in The Premier League for The Red Devils – which currently stands at a meagre total of two.
| Season |
2008-09 |
2007-08 |
2006-07 |
| Team |
Manchester United |
Tottenham |
Tottenham |
| Appearances |
12 |
12 |
12 |
| Minutes on Pitch |
1074 |
917 |
969 |
| Goal Attempts |
|
|
|
| Goals |
2 |
2 |
3 |
| Shots on Target |
11 |
10 |
10 |
| Shots off Target |
5 |
14 |
10 |
| Shooting Accuracy |
68.75% |
41.67% |
50.00% |
| Chance Conversion |
12.50% |
8.33% |
15.00% |
| Passing |
|
|
|
| Goal Assists |
5 |
4 |
3 |
| Chances Created |
29 |
16 |
12 |
|
Looking back at his two previous Premier League seasons whilst in a Tottenham shirt however, it seems that the United faithful would be right to show more faith and patience in their former Bayer Leverkusen front-man.
Last season, Berbatov only managed to score two goals in his first 12 appearances for Spurs – this before hitting 13 goals in his other 24 appearances in The Premier League.
In his first season in England, the Bulgarian managed just three goals in his first 12 apps, but in his following 21 appearances, he managed to hit 10 goals.
United look to be seeing the best of Berbatov’s creative ability however, as he has assisted five goals and created 29 more so far in the top-flight (34 in total) – which is 14 more than this time last season.
The expensive acquisition clearly just needs to improve his edge in front of goal to start becoming a firm favourite with the supporters, particularly as he has been keeping the popular and hard working Carlos Tevez out of the team.