Berbatov an 'amazing talent' - O'Shea

Soccer: Republic of Ireland defender John O'Shea believes Manchester United's title drive would be best served if he and his team-mates just keep giving the ball to Dimitar Berbatov.

With Wayne Rooney struggling to find the net the Bulgarian has stood up to mark and notched his third hat-trick of the season in the 5-0 mauling of Birmingham at Old Trafford yesterday, emulating Ruud van Nistelrooy achievements from the 2002-03 title-winning campaign.

And with a little more luck, he could have become the first player to score five twice in a single season since the new league was formed in 1992 such is his deadly streak.

It means Berbatov has now bagged 18 goals this season, by far his best tally since the club record €34 million move from Tottenham in 2008.

"Dimitar is an amazing talent," said O'Shea. "We know if we get the supply line to him he will create things, either for himself and other players. Some of the passes he was laying off for Wayne and Nani were great.

"We just have to supply him because nine times out of 10 he will score."

Not that Berbatov was on his own in ensuring United extended their unbeaten start to 22 games ahead of Tuesday's trip to Blackpool.

For a man who had been out since the end of November with a calf problem, O'Shea made a pretty fine return too. It was the Irishman who flicked Ryan Giggs' second-minute corner towards Berbatov to give the hosts their flying start.

"It has been a frustrating time," he said. "I thought it was only going to be a week to 10 days. But I pushed it a bit too soon and did it again. I had to be more careful after that.

"It is frustrating when you are missing games but I am delighted to be back."

O'Shea's presence gives Ferguson a useful option in a variety of positions and is probably one of the reasons why United's longest-serving manager has opted against entering the January transfer market.

Not that he has any need to on yesterday's evidence.

Apart from his goals, Berbatov's link play has been of a high standard.

The teamwork with Rooney to set up the Giggs goal that effectively sealed victory before the break was impressive, as was the Nani drive that completed the scoring, even if the Portugal winger frustrated his team-mates with his growing number of attempts. "Eventually" was Ferguson's one-word assessment of the wide-man's eighth goal of the season.

It was enough to ensure United opened up a two-point lead at the top, with Arsenal now leading the chasing pack. United can now approach their first top flight visit to Blackpool in 40 years with an air of confidence, knowing a win will really leave them in an advantageous position at this stage of the season.