Is Gabriel Obertan The New "Henry of Arsenal" Or The "Taarabt of Spurs?"

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

For Gabriel Obertan, there could be no worse start to a United career.

The club has paid Bordeaux an initial £3 million to sign the France Under-21 winger to a four-year deal. The fee rises to £6 million if Obertan progresses as United would hope.

"Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now, but because of his educational programme our efforts to get him here have always been delayed," Sir Alex told the club’s website.

"We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel."

The player too was dancing on the ceiling after the contract was confirmed.

"I knew United had been following me for a few years, but I did not think it was going to happen this season,” he admitted.

"We had no longer been in too much contact until the England Under-21s game, when I played well for France and scored a goal.

"That helped things along. We spoke again and I ended up signing. Sir Alex has put me at ease.

"He said to me that he knows my pros and cons — it's my potential that interests him. He has confidence in me, which is flattering and surprising after my average season last year.

"I am very happy to join Manchester United. This is a big opportunity for me."

Obertan will be denied an immediate opportunity to gauge just how big a step-up he has made. Injury means he will be unable to join up with his new teammates on their over-seas tour.

If that wasn’t bad enough karma for the newcomer, the unflattering commentary from France that has accompanied his transfer may soon have the player seeking out the services of a sport psychologist.

Obertan’s coach at Lorient Christian Gourcuff offered an unconvincing endorsement of the player’s readiness for the Premiership when asked for his opinion on the shock transfer.

Gourcuff took Obertan on loan last season after he was farmed out by Bordeaux boss and ex-United defender Laurent Blanc, to gain more experience. Obertan floundered, scoring a solitary goal in 15 appearances. Gourcuff remains unimpressed.

"He certainly has some talent but also some gaps in his game,” the coach declared. “I hope he will succeed, but he will have to make the step up mentally."

Even Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has his doubts about Obertan’s preparedness. He said: "I was surprised, but it is an unexpected chance for him to play with one of the best clubs in the world.

"Manchester United have been tracking him for a long time. They certainly hope to advance him, something that Bordeaux and Lorient have failed to do. He has the potential, but he must overcome psychological and mental challenges so he can express his true value."

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