DIMITAR Berbatov has been singled out as the player to take Manchester United to "another level" - but the mercurial Bulgarian continues to split opinion at Old Trafford.
One of Sir Alex Ferguson's most trusted confidants, first team coach Rene Meulensteen, is convinced Berbatov can become a United legend - if he can get on the same wavelength as his teammates.
The debate about the £30.75m striker rages on a season-and-a-half since he was signed from Tottenham on a dramatic transfer deadline day in September last year. But with just four goals in 18 appearances this season there can be little argument that United are yet to get their money's worth.
Against Wolves on Tuesday night, he took his current sparse run to one goal in his last eight appearances at club level, even if some of those have been as a substitute.
But the question marks surrounding Berbatov are not so much what has gone, but what is still to come from a man who Ferguson fought so doggedly to sign.
His detractors argue that his work rate is simply not good enough; that too often his languid style breaks down promising attacks and that his strike rate nothing like what is expected of a top class, international forward.
His supporters, however, claim he has a rare ability to unlock defences. That he is one of the most technically gifted players in the Premier League - and that his inconsistent performances for United are a result of his team-mates not being on his wavelength and therefore unable to capitalise on his vision.
The truth probably lies somewhere in between - but at a time when United appear to be hitting their free-scoring best, Berbatov has been conspicuous by his absence.
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