Gabriel Obertan

New signing Gabriel Obertan is presented to the media, along with Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen

Henri Saivet and Gabriel Obertan were two players I was very much aware of thanks to Football Manager (a computer game). On this game these two players turned out to be one of the best players in the world. So you could imagine my excitement when on the 7th July 2009, Manchester United announced the signing of Gabriel Obertan for a mere £3m. Bargain! was what I thought at the time. As you can imagine, this edition of Football Manager was 2008.




A signing of a 'young wonderkid' in the summer that we lost Cristiano to Real Madrid, provided excitement to Manchester United fans across the globe. However, that hope was soon eradicated as Laurent Blanc spoke out to say that Gabriel was not yet good enough even for Bordeaux. The £3m paid, didn't do much to wet the appetite of fans, fans who were looking for a marquee signing to replace our former number seven.

Bargain? Definately not. Flop? At the moment, yes. Gabriel is still only 22, and has yet to reach his peak. But the question is, How long until Fergie decides to cut his losses?

I remember watching Obertan's Premier League debut v Blackburn on October 31st. It was a 5.15 kick off live on Setanta Sports. He came on as a late substitute. I was actually really impressed by him; his work rate and ability in dribbling in taking players on really stood out in that match and the only thing lacking in his performance was a goal - something he came close to, missing a sitter in front of the Stretford End.

Gabriel has scored 1 goal for United in 28 appearances, coming in a Champions League match against Bursaspor in the group stages of last years campaign. That match was one of his most impressive for United, and his goal was magnificent - a long range drive that screamed right into the top corner. Incidentally, this was also a match when fellow 'flop' Bebe also scored!

Gabriel Obertan scored against Bursaspor

However, that is as good as it has got for Obertan at United. His last appearance came against Blue Square Premier League leaders Crawley Town, in the FA Cup. You would have thought that this was a match for Obertan to really prove himself at Old Trafford against weak opposition. But, he produced a poor performance and that performance could be his last at Manchester United.


I, personally, cannot see a future for him. He is behind Nani, Valencia, Park and now Ashley Young in the pecking order and with Tom Cleverley coming back and Ravel Morrison making giant strides in his development, competition for places is fierce. I fear that if Gabriel does end up staying, then he faces another season in the reserves and minimal chances in the Carling Cup.

Lille have already been linked with his services this summer, with a move back to France looking likely. Whether it is on a permanent deal or a loan remains to be seen.