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

The poor reviews of the new recruit and the references to his need to overcome “psychological and mental challenges” do not augur well for Obertan. Sir Alex will hope that the winger pushes on and has critics comparing him to the Arsenal legend Thierry Henry within a few seasons.

Those same critics, whilst noting Obertan’s speed and the rave reviews earned as a junior, might be more taken by the player’s unimpressive presence in front of goal. From there, it would be all too easy to suggest the winger is more likely to emerge as United’s new David Bellion.

Fans will have grim memories of United’s last French flyer. With eerie similarity, United chased the player over a protracted period in 2003. Once the deal was completed for the winger, then playing for Sunderland, the manager presented him as a face of United’s future.

“It has been a long process to complete this deal,” Sir Alex revealed. “We did not know whether David would go abroad or come to us, and we are delighted he has chosen Manchester United.

“He is a young player with great potential who will fit into the club’s future plans very well.”

We know better now. Bellion never came to grips with the demands of playing on the highest stage and was regarded as an utter failure before being flogged to Nice in 2006.

"Leaving England was a hard choice to make, but I think there is huge potential in Nice and I don't regret a thing,” he said.

No-one would wish such a southwards career trajectory on Obertan, but Bellion apart, he should also be mindful of the fate of the last highly-rated French junior to hit the Premiership.

Adel Taarabt, a supremely gifted youngster, hailed as the ‘new Zidane,’ has played just 15 games for Spurs since arriving at the club in 2007.

The player, strong, fast, with a powerful shot, who can play as a forward or winger, was considered one of France’s brightest stars when he ventured to north London but fell out of favour with former boss Juande Ramos.

Taarabt's highly individual style, erratic form, and Spurs’ flirtation with relegation hindered his progress, forcing the 20-year-old Moroccan international into the arms of Queens Park Rangers in search of more first team football.

“Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp told me they are not really in a position to give young players like me an opportunity right now and QPR were keen on me,” he explained last March.

"I consider myself to be an attacking midfielder. I can score, I can give assists, I can dribble and I can cross. "I hope here at QPR I will score and do well for the team. I can't wait to play.

"I have come here to learn, and I know that the physical side is something I will need to handle. It will be good for my experience and for my development."

Taarabt’s plight as a young shooting star whose rise to fame is matched only by an equally rapid descent towards oblivion should act as a cautionary tale.

Gabriel Obertan should take heed.

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