Berbatov Proving His Worth - Neville

Manchester United skipper Gary Neville feels Dimitar Berbatov has now adjusted to life at Old Trafford - and what better way for the striker to show his well-being than with a last-minute winner?

Sir Alex Ferguson's entire 22-year reign has been littered with late drama, most famously of all in the 1999 Champions League final.

So when Cristiano Ronaldo's shot rolled through to Jussi Jaaskelainen and just a minute remained to be played at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, United refused to accept a draw.

One scuttling run and cross from Carlos Tevez later, Berbatov was burying his ninth goal of the season to claim a dramatic 1-0 win, send the Red Devils top of the Premier League and provide the final proof he has what it takes to be an Old Trafford star.

"Dimitar's performances in the last couple of weeks have been really impressive," said Neville.

"He is starting to look fantastic in certain games and now he is winning us matches.

"In five games on the trot now, he has had an influence at big moments. That is what you want from your forwards."

Remarkably, in two games United have battled through 178 consecutive barren minutes yet emerged with six points, with Berbatov's last-gasp effort following up Wayne Rooney's first-minute winner against Wigan. Liverpool should note the statistic with alarm.

Rafael Benitez will also be aware that when United touched down after their successful Club World Cup quest in Japan they were seven points adrift of their fierce north-west rivals.

Five consecutive wins now have United at the head of affairs, piling the pressure on Liverpool ahead of Monday's Merseyside derby at Anfield.

"I am not surprised at the turnaround," said Neville.

"We obviously had games in hand but they have to be converted into points.

"We were buoyed by the fact teams did not pull away from us while we were in Japan, since when we have got through some difficult games.

"It is really important to win matches when you are not at your absolute best. But no-one is running away with themselves. The hard work is still to do."

At least, as far as the Premier League is concerned, there is no more hard work until the trip to West Brom on January 27.

In the meantime, Ferguson will juggle his injury-ravaged squad for cup games against Derby and Tottenham, the first of which comes with the added carrot of a Wembley final if United can overcome a first-leg deficit.

Ferguson has already given some senior players a few days off, suggesting the Scot will honour his pledge to stick with the younger lads who have been the backbone of United's Carling Cup quest.

As the only side to beat United in any competition since November 8, the Rams have already collected a notable scalp. Merely by scoring against Ferguson's side, they are in a select group.

For the statisticians need to go back to that post-Bonfire Night reverse at Arsenal for the last time the Red Devils last conceded a goal in Premier League combat - over 15 and a half hours, or a record-equalling 10 games ago.

Considering Rio Ferdinand has missed six of those games, and Patrice Evra seven, United's rearguard deserve immense praise.

Little wonder Ferguson has cancelled all leave for his defensive recruits.

"Ten clean sheets on the run is a massive achievement," reflected Neville.

"Defence has always been the bedrock for us. We won't always get the credit because we usually score lots of goals. But in the last couple of months we have had to keep clean sheets.

"You can't score five goals every week although there will come a time when we have to score more than one."

Jussi Jaaskelainen looked like even denying United that with a succession of superb saves.

Little wonder defeated Bolton boss Gary Megson claimed he would not swap the Finn for anyone else in the Premier League.

United simply move on to their next challenge, the momentum with them as surely as night follows day.

"Momentum is important but there are four months left yet," shrugged Neville.

"The biggest games are still to come.

"But considering the difficult start, with all those away games, and the travelling, we are happy with the position we are in."

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