Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has hailed Dimitar Berbatov's form after the latter scored a superb hat-trick against Liverpool. The Bulgarian became the first Red Devils player to hit a treble against the Anfield side in 64 years during a 3-2 victory in an epic encounter at Old Trafford.

Vidic believes Berbatov's virtuoso display should silence the Bulgarian's critics once and for all, after two difficult seasons since his £30.75m club record transfer from Tottenham Hotspur. "We are all aware how good Dimitar is," the Serbia centre-back said.

"His skills with the ball are incredible. The criticism he got last year was because he didn't score many goals. This season he is scoring a lot, and important goals too."

If he keeps doing that we have a good chance to win the league and for him to gain some personal reward by becoming player of the year.
Nemanja Vidic on Dimitar Berbatov

Vidic believes Berbatov is benefitting from a more selfish approach in front of goal, something that has seen him score seven times in six games across all competitions this term.

"He has learned what he has to do," explained the former Spartak Moscow man. "He has changed his game compared to last season. He is in the box more and is more of a threat.

"Dimitar has always had a great touch and gave us composure, but because he is also going into the box, he is scoring goals. That is why he is getting so much credit.

"If he keeps doing that we have a good chance to win the league and for him to gain some personal reward by becoming player of the year."