Berbatov Notches Hat-Trick as Manchester United Triumph Over Liverpool

Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United scores his team's third goal to complete his hat-trick during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sept. 19. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Dimitar Berbatov scored the first hat-trick by a Manchester United player against Liverpool since Stan Pearson in 1946, to give his team a 3-2 victory over their bitter Lancashire rivals.

Even at this early stage of the season it was vital for United to secure the three points and keep in touch with Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

Berbatov headed United into the lead from a corner a few minutes before half time, and then doubled the home team’s advantage just before the hour mark with a spectacular overhead kick worthy of the great Denis Law.

But the uncharacteristic nervousness that seems to have crept into the United defense this season was in evidence yet again. A mistimed challenge by Johnny Evans allowed Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard to pull one back from the penalty spot; then less than 10 minutes later, John O’Shea was the culprit as Liverpool were awarded a free kick in a central position just outside the box.

Gerrard duly did the honors once again, aided and abetted by Darren Fletcher who inexplicably separated from the defensive wall allowing the ball to pass through exactly where he should have still been standing, leaving United keeper Edwin Van der Sar with absolutely no chance.

The nerves were jangling all around Old Trafford as the bad memories of leads surrendered at Fulham and Everton came flooding back.  Even when Berbatov restored their advantage with a fine header only six minutes from time, there remained a question mark over whether United would be able to see it out.

In fact, Liverpool had created very little from open play during the entire game and one felt that it would require another blunder from the United defense in order for the visitors to equalize.  As it was, United held on and secured a win which will do wonders for their confidence.

United fans will have been glad to see Anderson come on as a substitute after a long layoff due to injury, but the continuing poor form of Wayne Rooney will be a cause for concern, as will another mediocre performance from Fletcher and that error prone defense.

But the day belonged to Dimitar Berbatov who looks a lot more comfortable in the red of United this season and, barring injury, may well on this form be a contender for the golden boot come May.