Ferguson delight for five-star Berba

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sung the praises of Dimitar Berbatov after he scored five times in a 7-1 win over Blackburn on Saturday.

Berbatov – a record signing for Ferguson and United – broke a 10-match goal drought with five terrific goals, making him just the fourth player in English Premier League history to do so.

The striker’s haul helped last season’s English Premier League runners-up to the top of the table, overtaking Chelsea who are not in action until Sunday.

“It was a fantastic achievement,” Ferguson said afterwards.

“He could have scored six too because (Blackburn goalkeeper) Paul Robinson made a fantastic save near the end.”

“When strikers are not scoring they don’t think they are doing their job right. That has always been the case. Today it came back.”

The goals came as a lift for Berbatov, who did not make the squad for Manchester United’s victory over Wigan just seven days ago.

“I can’t believe it. I scored five in a game but it happened,” Berbatov said.

“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 (Andy) Cole and (Alan) Shearer (who have both scored five in a game) is a great honour.”

Berbatov admitted the first goal was crucial as it gave him the confidence to go on and hunt further goals – which he did with ease.

“The first goal was the most important,” he said.

“It gives you the confidence to play. As a striker, people do tend only to look at the goals you score. I am more concerned with how I play but today was all about goals for me.”

Park Ji-Sung and Nani were the other players on the scoresheet, before Christopher Samba netted a late consolation for the Rovers.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce had no issues with the one-sided score-line, admitting his side were poor.

“This won’t be an easy one for us to forget,” said Allardyce, who saw his side slip to 13th on the table as a result.

“We were completely outplayed and have just gone under.”

The former Bolton and Newcastle boss joined those praising Berbatov for what was a special performance.

“Berbatov gets a lot of criticism but he has great ability and is a quality finisher. It is unfortunate for him that he has a laid-back attitude. But for me he has always been top quality,” he said.