The Bulgarian striker is out of favour but in-demand, while England’s former star is nearing the end.
Both Berbatov and Owen started Manchester United’s game against Otelul Galati last week hoping to give Sir Alex Ferguson a tough dilemma.
Sadly for both players the events of the game has only hastened both of their movements towards the Old Trafford exit door.
Dimitar Berbatov looked disinterested, shorn of his spark, and anything but a £30 million striker.
The Bulgarian has had a mixed time at United, and will be remembered forever as a key player in winning the club’s 19th title.
But despite finishing last season as top scorer, this term he is firmly out of favour, subjected to an appearance in the Carling Cup away to Aldershot last month.
There will be no shortage of takers for the Bulgarian, especially abroad and PSG and Galatasaray have both expressed an interest, while he will also be on the radar of Bundesliga clubs in Germany where he made his name.
The question for United is, do they sell him in January for a higher price with his contract winding down, or for less in the summer. Selling in two months is only likely is Ferguson has plans to sign another striker, but any strengthening United plan to do will likely be in midfield.
Bids will arrive in January and the club will have to make a decision.
Likely to be departing in the summer too is Michael Owen who limped off after 10 minutes against Galati.
In his third season at the club he has never really got going, and Ferguson will look to sign a new striker next summer, with Dutchman Ricky van Wolfswinkel one extravagant name linked.
Owen cannot be trusted to stay fit, which isn’t his fault, despite his knack for scoring goals.
The issue for Owen is, does he drop down and hope a mid-table club like Aston Villa or a QPR want him, or will he elect to retire altogether to enjoy his horse racing? He has denied that this morning, but another bad injury could force him to reconsider.
Both players leaving before next August is almost a certainty- who do United fans want to replace them?
image: © nasmac
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