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Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to
striker Dimitar Berbatov after his five goals helped Manchester United
thump Blackburn 7-1 at Old Trafford.
Berbatov becomes the
fourth player to score five times in a Premier League match, emulating
the feats of Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe. "It was a fantastic achievement by Berbatov," said the United boss, whose side leapt to the top of the league. "It helped him to strike early because he hadn't scored in 10 games." Berbatov's first came in the second minute as United ran Rovers ragged almost from the first whistle to the last. Although Berbatov's strike partner Wayne Rooney did not get on the scoresheet, the England forward was influential in much of United's good play and often tracked back to defend deep in his own half.
Berbatov, himself, was stunned by his achievement. "I can't believe I scored five in a game, but it happened," said the 29-year-old. "I have scored that many before but it was a long time ago back home in Bulgaria. "Today I did it in the Premier League. To stand next to people like Cole and Shearer is a great honour." Berbatov's second came from a Pascal Chimbonda mistake before he added three more after the break. "The first goal was the most important," he added. "It gives you the confidence to play. 
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Allardyce apologises to Rovers fans
"I am more concerned with how I play but today was all about goals for me." Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce said the fact he had to field a weakened side contributed to the heavy defeat. "We're extremely disappointed with our performance and the result, and I'd like to apologise to Blackburn fans," he said. "In saying that, this game can catch up with you and we had seven first-team players missing from the start. However, I did expect more from the players who did start. "Unfortunately we caught United at their best. At half time we were 3-0 down and I told the players to protect that scoreline but they'd lost it by then." | ||
