Laurent Blanc admits his old Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson knows more about the French transfer market than he does. Obertan's transfer stunned the former United defender, who concedes that Bordeaux failed to make the most of the 20 year-old's talent, even shunting him out to Lorient on-loan for the second-half of last season.

BLANC's OPINION:

"I was surprised, but it is an unexpected chance for him to play with one of the best clubs in the world," said Blanc.
"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."

With a championship under his belt, Blanc can afford to shrug off the loss of Obertan, while at £3 million, the deal represents no great gamble for Ferguson.

OBERTAN's THOUGHTS PRIOR TO TRANSFER:

Observers regarded Obertan's career at the crossroads (prior to his L'Orient loan spell). And after a disappointing six months, where he managed only a handful of starts, the player returned to Bordeaux with his tail between his legs,

"I need games, I need to play a full season without asking any questions. I want to become a player in Ligue 1, but I also know that, for me, this will take a great effort. The talent is good but without the work, it does not lead to anything."

Evrything changed in a one-off U21 friendly against England. Despite his Lorient struggles, Obertan was outstanding against the Three Lions, scoring in the 2-0 win. Weeks later, he was named France's best player for the Toulon Tournament, leading the home nation to the final, where they were eventually beaten by Chile. In Toulon, Obertan displayed all the qualities which had him regarded as a future star at 16.

At 6ft 1in he boasts a similar physique to Ronaldo and has all the tricks in his locker to match. His pace, aerial threat and eye for goal were all on display and it was enough to convince Ferguson to move for him.

"It is a fairy tale, but I am aware that it will be very difficult to make it," says Obertan. "It will take time, it will also require me to be mentally sturdy, I know I need to work very hard.

"They had been following me already when I was 16 years old.

"Things accelerated in late March, when I played in England with Team France. Alex Ferguson contacted Laurent Blanc and my agent.

"When the opportunity arose, I did not hesitate. Some may think it's too early. But I do not think so. I am ambitious."

There's great similarities between Obertan and another Frenchman whose signing was questioned upon arrival.

Like Obertan, Patrice Evra was regarded as a wonderkid as a teenager, wanted by Europe's biggest clubs. But when he eventually moved to United, he was at the tail end of the poorest run of form in his career. Ferguson had virtually no competition for the then AS Monaco fullback, but he knew the qualities and character of Evra and had no hesitation signing him in January of 2006.

Three years on and Evra is regarded by many as the best left-back in the game.

Obertan will be a project player for Ferguson. There'll be no instant impact from the Clairefontaine graduate and Ferguson will be careful with his progress.

"I met the manager when I signed my contract," recalled Obertan. "He told me he wanted me, he believed in me, but that it was for me to prove myself.

"I will do everything not to disappoint."

Source: tribalfootball.com

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves says he can't wait to put his injury woes behind him and return to first-team action.

The England international has been plagued by a seemingly-unending string of injuries and has had operations to cure tendinitis in both of his knees.

His last appearance for the Red Devils came in the 2008 Champions League Final in Moscow.

"I can't wait to get back involved in it all," he told the club's web site.

"I can't wait to play again for United, to be able to pull on the shirt and have an effect on games.

How about that? England fans are very unlikely to enjoy a pint in the local with their mates watching England this weekend! Setanta UK had the broadcast rights to this match and obviously, went belly up. No other TV company wanted to match the asking price from the Ukrainian broadcasters, so an Internet company jumped in and at the moment, have sole UK rights to show the match.

Whoever heard of watching football on your pc, lol?

Full story at ITV Sport: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/e...40255.html

Set up to celebrate our 'Who would you Do' winners of 2 or more polls. The first inductee is Cheryl Cole, 2 time winner. Congrats to her. And us.



No need to post in this thread. Let's keep this one for photos only, eh?

And the latest one for you ....

about a mouth ago i left my soccer team i was with for 6 years to go to the team across the road and there not liking it.there trying to get me banded for the year evan doe iv perfectly signed for my new team so i dont know the problem could someone give me a hand on what to do?
the team i was with are having a meeting about it on thurday night also...
and im only 14 :O :O