New signing Gabriel Obertan will be fit to make his Manchester United debut in four to six weeks, according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The French winger, who was signed for about £3 million from Girondins de Bordeaux, is currently out with a spinal problem.
“Gabriel has had a spine problem, but I think he’ll be back in about a month to six weeks’ time,” Ferguson told Inside United magazine.
“We’re taking our time with him because we want him back and at 100 per cent. He’s very quick, he can play both sides or through the middle and he brings a real versatility to us.
“At 16 he was one of the outstanding young talents in Europe, and he’s said to us that over this last year and a half he’s been playing with this back injury and no-one thought about getting a scan. We expect big things from him. He’s a nice boy, speaks good English and should have no problem settling in.”
Obertan was loaned out by Bordeaux to Ligue 1 outfit L’Orient for the second half of last season and his signing was taken as a major surprise by both player and Bordeaux’ coach Laurent Blanc. Question is – will Obertan be the new Eric Cantona, or the new David Bellion?
He will be the new Gabriel Obertan, nothing more, nothing less. Let us stop comparing our current players to previous ones, it is silly and builds unnecessary pressure.
At least, from what I’ve seen him playing for Bordeaux and France, his skill and pace will bring new dimension of attack to United. This lad, like SAF said, can play anywhere in attack. So hopefully, he will be the new Henry for United.
Unlike, Antonio Valencia, the 17 million pounds signing is an absalutely WASTE!!!!!!… Valencia has no pace, not skillful, and very poor at scoring. He will be sold out at cut price in the next 2 years time.
@ Gazzaro
No pace?? You’ve obviously not been watching mate. He’s rapid and he’s a big lad capable of looking after himself. Give him a chance for God’s sake, he’s only been here a couple of months.
As for Obertan, looks good in youtube videos. That’s about all I can say and there nothing to go by. Has flashes of Henry about him, even looks a bit like him. Here’s hoping!
Instead of buying Valencia at 17 million pound,i would prefer the one and only Arron Lennon of Spurs.He is very quick,intelligent and scores goals also.
Valencia is good at crossing.. :))