Chicharito Two-Goal Show Puts Pressure on Berbatov

The Red Devils went into a crucial away match against Wigan, needing to put some distance between themselves and Arsenal. Considering that Manchester United are due to face Chelsea and then Liverpool, three points would be a comfortable cushion in Ferguson's eyes. United romped to a 4-0 win but the lineup raised some eyebrows with the exclusion of the Premiership's top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov.

Manchester United started with Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez as striking partners. In previous games, Ferguson left Berbatov out whenever he felt the need to go with a 4-5-1 formation. Against Wigan, Ferguson put out a more positive lineup and yet preferred Hernandez over the Bulgarian.

Dimitar Berbatov simply does not have Fergie's trust in big games.

With Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon, one could argue that Berbatov will start in at least one of those matches. I would not be surprised if the talented Bulgarian find himself on his bum for both games.

Apart from a tremendous hattrick against Liverpool, Berbatov has not delivered against top opposition. Too often, Dimitar Berbatov has found it hard to shine in big games. His 19 goals this season are definitely hard to ignore, but they have come against inferior opposition. On the big stage, when it really matters, Berbatov just falls short.

Alex Ferguson knows this. And when Chicharito justifies Fergie's faith by scoring whenever he plays, the young Mexican's poaching instincts may supersede any hopes that Berbatov may harbour for a guaranteed first team place.