Berbatov can deliver title

John O'Shea believes the secret to Manchester United's Premier League title drive is simple – keep giving the ball to Dimitar Berbatov.

If Wayne Rooney is struggling to find his best form in front of goal, the same cannot be said of Berbatov.

His third hat–trick of the season in Saturday’s 5–0 mauling of Birmingham at Old Trafford emulated the feat of Ruud van Nistelrooy in the 2002–03 title–winning campaign.

And with a little more luck, he could have become the first player to score five twice in a single campaign since the new league was formed in 1992, such is his deadly streak.

It means Berbatov has now bagged 18 goals this season, by far his best tally since the club record £30.75million move from Tottenham in 2008.

"Dimitar is an amazing talent," said O'Shea. "We know if we get the supply line to him he will create things, either for himself or other players.

"Some of the passes he was laying off for Wayne and Nani were great. We just have to supply him because nine times out of 10 he will score."

Berbatov was not on his own in ensuring United extended their unbeaten run to 22 games ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Blackpool.

For a man who had been out since the end of November with a calf problem, O'Shea made a pretty fine return after a lay-off since November.

It was the Irishman who flicked Ryan Giggs' second–minute corner towards Berbatov to give the hosts their flying start.

O'Shea's presence gives Ferguson a useful option in a variety of positions and is probably one of the reasons why United's longest–serving manager has opted against entering the January transfer market.

Not that he has any need to on Saturday's evidence.

Apart from his goals, Berbatov's link play has been of a high standard.

The teamwork with Rooney to set up the Giggs goal that effectively sealed victory before the break was impressive, as was the Nani drive that completed the scoring, even if the Portugal winger frustrated his team–mates with his growing number of unsuccessful attempts.