Berbatov weaves his magic against Liverpool

Dimitar Berbatov was in majestic form last Sunday (AP)

Dimitar Berbatov is quite the performer for Manchester United that can either blow hot or cold in key games. Last weekend against Liverpool, the Old Trafford crowd were full of adulation for the Bulgarian's destructive performance over a flimsy 'Pool backline, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-2 victory.

Last season, the 28 year-old most cut a frustrated figure being an outcast to the then livewire Wayne Rooney. This season looks a roles reversal exercise as a tired Roon was bumped out of the headline-grabbing scenes on the left, whilst Berbatov basked in glory from producing overhead kicks to match-winning headers.

It is something many know he is capable of doing, but just didn't show the application on a consistent basis. His flashy tricks, touches and finishing over the years - with Tottenham and Man Utd - have been more than worthy of a section in the 'Premier League's Greatest Ever...' DVDs. His class is profound.

However, he is guilty of a lazy attitude, and is usually at the foot of the table in metres covered in a match. Against Liverpool, he looked to make up on his shortcomings with an exhibition of skill and furthered commitment. He showed strength to hold off Fernando Torres' shirt pulling to put United in front with a header midway through the first half.

The more livelier second half put the Bulgarian in a shining light as he beautifully adjusted his body back to goal to control and then execute an overhead kick that cannoned off the upright. With Pepe Reina standing, the goal was made to look artistically devine.

Two Steven Gerrard goals turned the tables as the United defence floundered under a brief spell of Liverpool pressure. With Liverpool looking for an unlikely third, Berbatov stepped up to produce an 84th minute winner with a beautifully glided header under exerted pressure from Jamie Carragher.

That performance was arguably his finest in Red, with the 28-year old's hat-trick making it his sixth league goal of the season. He will look to continue his rich vein of scoring form against Bolton on Saturday, as Man Utd look for a goalscoring predator to take some of the burden of the evidently weary Rooney.