By Robert Morris
Manchester United fired seven past Blackburn Rovers in a historic win which saw Dimitar Berbatov net five goals to put them top of the Premier League table.
Wayne Rooney was welcomed back into the starting line-up following his late spot kick in the Battle of Britain on Wednesday night. The England international looked sharp all afternoon, however, it was his strike partner Berbatov who was centre stage.
The Bulgarian gave United the lead in only the 2nd minute, when he finished a volley from close range following Luis Nani’s cross. When Ji Sung Park put the Red Devil’s two-ahead inside the 23rd minute, all signs looked towards a rout. The South Korean winger linked up with Rooney before sliding home an easy finish.
Berbatov made in 3-0 just four minutes later when he pounced on Pascal Chimbonda’s terrible backpass. The striker composed himself before smashing the ball past a helpless Paul Robinson.
Soon after the break United went 4-0 up. A low cross from Nani allowing Berbatov to score and earn himself a hat-trick in the process. The Portuguese winger would also be on the scoresheet a minute later when he lashed home a finish to make it 5-0.
Berbatov’s fourth and fifth goals had a slight hint of fortune about them; the first was a scrappy affair inside the box, whilst his second came from a misplaced pass to Rooney which rebounded back to him to slot home.
Blackburn grabbed a consolation goal with ten minutes remaining; however, Christopher Samba’s header was not to overshadow a fine United performance.
Manchester United have now gone 28 games unbeaten and, having topped the table, are beginning to peak just at the right time, with big games coming up in December against Arsenal and Chelsea.
