Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd should NOT be criticised: They are no different to Liverpool - Berbatov
MANCHESTER UNITED’s occasional use of long-ball football has been defended by former Red Devil Dimitar Berbatov.
Man Utd: Shaw says 'we need bring fear back’ to Old Trafford
In their times of need, United boss Jose Mourinho has instructed his team to play direct and unattractive football.
That has often entailed one of their defenders launching the ball forward to Romelu Lukaku and the Belgian trying to bring his team-mates into play.
United fans have become accustomed to seeing this style of play this season, particularly in the latter stages of matches.
Marouane Fellaini has often been the main target for the balls being slung into the box in the dying embers of matches and has come up trumps on several occasions.
The Belgium international did so again on Tuesday night in the 91st minute of United’s Champions League clash with Young Boys, getting on the end of a knockdown from Lukaku before swivelling and firing the ball low into the net.
The unaesthetic style of football has been lambasted by many of United and Mourinho's critics.
Berbatov believes it’s unfair for his old side to be slammed for their Hail-Mary approach in the closing moments of games, especially when their bitter rivals Liverpool also implement the same tactic when they’re in search of a late goal.
The Bulgarian told Betfair: “When Jose destroyed the water tray that was a massive release of the stress that has built up. I understand it because I was jumping in my home.
I have no criticisms of United playing long ball football late on - Liverpool were doing it against PSG last night
“The kids were asleep and the missus came in screaming 'Are you crazy?!' but I had to let it out. I can understand it, it shows the fire! And better he releases that stress on the water bottles then someone's face!
“As for the game, it wasn't a great performance and it took another late show from Marouane Fellaini to save United.
“I used to play against Fellaini and he was a tricky opponent let me tell you.
“He is strong and tall but he has great balance, can control with his chest and is a great header of the ball.
“It was a good goal he scored against Young Boys and I have no criticisms of United playing long ball football late on - Liverpool were doing it against PSG last night - and it's good for the team that they have that option.”
United will look to build on Tuesday’s win over Young Boys, which booked their passage into the last 16 of the Champions League, on Saturday evening when they travel to St. Mary’s to take on Southampton.
Mourinho's troops haven't won in the league since beating Bournemouth 2-1 at the start of the month.