Time to move on?
Gabriel Obertan, is arguably about as popular with United fans as Imogen Thomas. While even the much-lamented Bebe has his defenders who point to his age and lack of top flight experience.
In the case of Obertan it’s been just under two years since he signed for United.
In those two years Obertan hasn’t really progressed, in fact last season seems to have been less effective than his first one.
Watching Obertan can be a frustrating experience, I’ve witnessed him several time for the reserves this season and his talents are obvious, although he can often look disinterested.
There’s no doubting he has skills but his attitude can leave a lot to be desired, which is one thing many Reds simply will not accept. A player who tries hard but lack the ability of others is one thing, but someone with bags of ability who basically can’t be *rsed isn’t going to win any Fan’s Player awards.
Obertan now seems to be at the point in his United career where he’s no longer considered an option for any game that’s even remotely important. In his first season Obertan made seven league appearances, the next season was the same. That in itself tells a story, Obertan’s simply not progressing of that there can be little doubt.
The question is “is there any point in giving him another season?” I’d actually argue there isn’t, although it may seem harsh on a relatively young player who’s yet to fulfil his first contract at the club, I just cannot see how Obertan can really be considered a first team option anymore.
There is a case to be made that United could give Obertan one more season, that with the Carling Cup and early FA Cup and Champions League games, you can never have too many skilful wingers. However the problem is it’s not just a case of having a skilful player available, it’s would United be hindering the progress of maybe a Ravel Morrison or a Bebe by persevering with a player who’s had his chances and failed to take them?
Personally I think it’s now time to face facts for both player and club, Obertan was a great prospect when Sir Alex Ferguson signed him. A graduate of the famous Clairefontein academy who had looked dangerous during his time at Bordeaux and Lorient-as well as the France Under 21 side, not many people were doubting the wisdom of bringing him to the club.
It’s difficult to make a strong case for keeping Obertan, who’s done very little to convince anyone he really is United material.
When it comes to moving the club forward and trying to not only usurp Barcelona but fend off the challenge from our domestic rivals, whether United sell or keep Obertan may not seem like a big deal. However as the past few seasons have proven its often the squad players who have helped make the difference in important games.
Obertan has had his chance now and I feel it may be best for both player and club if he moved on.
Feel free to comment, suggest or abuse below.
Agreed, time to let him move on, he needs games and he’s not going to get that here.
I have to wholeheartedly agree with you. Obertan’s first season showed shades of promise but he has not improved and it is time for him to move on. Not a major financial loss at 3million. I don’t think any premiership would risk taking him on loan either.
I think Bebe should go on loan where he can get some experience and be given at least another year.
As for Gibson without setting the world alight, he has put in some good performances and I honestly think (though loads would disagree) he could replace Carrick if he was given an uninterrupted run in the first team on loan at a club like Wigan and come back to Utd the following season.
Macheda – Living on the back of the goal v Villa, but has not got the Utd but for me has a poor attitude in games when things are not going his way.
Wes Brown – out 31 and dropped down pecking order.
Nani – Out, People will say I don’t no what I’m talking about. There has been a good improvement from him and he is good enough to do a job for us in spells during the season. The only reason I say he should go is because I think selling Nani is the only way we could buy Sanchez who is better than any winger we have at the club. I actually believe he will be better than Ronaldo if given a chance at a club like Man Utd.
I also agree Morrison has to come into the first team next year
Are you serious?? The lad is 21 years old…he needs to be loaned out..if we offer him to other clubs for a loan deal people would take him with open arms..clubs like aston villa or bolton or wigan who are bound to either lose a quality winger/forward in the transfer market or dont have one in their squad could really use his services. We keep him as a back up for injuries to our wingers and that is stunting his growth…he is a quality player with pace to burn and looks so similar to henry…juventus made a mistake with henry earlier in his career and look what he went on to achieve at arsenal..he needs time ..and we all know he has the talent.
I agree, Nani was slow to start by being behind Ronaldo and Giggs and is still slow at reaching the standards he should. but a run of games and playing at the right standard ie: not reserves, would help Oberton a bagfull.
Obertan is such a talented player that needs more encouragement, guldance and playing time.
I believe that with one more season under his belt, he will be an important player for the club.
He’s a player that can open up plays with his skills and that could be much benificial for us.
Remember Nani, Ronaldo, Fletcher and Berbatoz in their early years at the club. Let’s be patient a bit
i agree with you. i say. move valencia to the middle. obertan on the left and nani on the back. try it and let me know what happens
oshea out,brown out,fletcher out,gibson out,park out,obertan out,berbatov out,owen out(but sign new contract)
ganso in,goetze in,sanchez in,de gea in,
promote youngsters,petrucci,pogba,morisson
Why r u wasting my time?? Stop talking shit.
I think we should let him stay one more season. Obertan obviously has talent.
Laurent Blanc once said of Obertan that he must “overcome psychological and mental challenges if he is to express his true value”. So I think it’s all in his mind. He lacks the confidence. With every game, he grows convinced that he couldn’t make the grade.
That’s why I say give a good pre-season. See how things go from there.
Regarding Obertan taking up space from exciting youth prospects like Morrison, am I the only one who thinks that Obertan is as skilled as Morrison? I have seen the youth games and although he is a good player, I think Will Keane should get a larger share of the hype.
Plus, Morrison’s attitude stinks and I’m not even talking about off-field incidents. To me, he appears to seek out controversy/likes to wind up the opponents. He reminds me a little of Balotelli.
*braces for attacks/flame wars*
As for Bebe though, he needs to learn the subtleties of football. Currently, the way he plays reminds me of the way I used to play after school. Uncoordinated and messy. If he can acquire a footballing brain, Bebe will be a half-decent player and maybe more.
Disagree about Will Keane i’m afraid…. i just dont see him being United quality… i actually fancy Michael Keane’s chances of making it more than Will’s….. Hope im wrong tho….
Obertan has the talent and quality to be a great. His head is all over the place tho. On the other hand Bébé, is the opposite, he looks lost on the pitch and shows no sign of football quality
Agreed with Shiva. Obertan has got real potential and could well be world-class material if given the opportunity. He’s a keeper although it would be great if he was loaned out too, like Cleverley and the rest, and then come back. Brilliant player.
Must admit I thought he was long gone, seems like Obertan and Gibson will still be hanging around at the start of next season but there 1st team chances musdt be almost nil.
Anon, try The Devil’s Backbone, another Del Toro movie, if you haven’t seen that one…really good…I’m a fan of his filmsReport this comment as spam or abuse