Manchester United fans have already made up their minds when it comes to Gabriel Obertan – most of them anyways. Having watched him play, the general consensus is that he’s simply not ‘United quality’, or that he doesn’t have the stones to make it in the Premier League. Whilst I understand where these opinions have come from (and understand that they are, to some extent, justifiable) I’d like to try and formulate a defence of the lad with an eye to seeing how he progresses.
I grant that Obertan has failed to make the most of his limited chances in the first team. Even so I think flickers of his talent have occasionally glistened through the gaping cracks in his game. It’s clear that he requires confidence – the kind of confidence nurtured by playing on a regular basis. The trouble is that he’s done very little to merit the increased playing time. I expect however, that we’ll see Obertan get a few more shots in the Manchester United first team next season and I further expect that it will be next season where he begins to earn the begrudging respect of the fans.
He is a skilful player – that’s clear for all to see. If you’ve been following the reserves, you’ll also know he has a decent goal-scoring ability and links up well with other attackers. Whilst Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba are the two Manchester United reserve team players that get the most media focus and are promoted as being ‘The Hope for United’s Future’, I’d argue that Obertan has been just as impressive within the reserve set-up – if not more so.
Of course, not everybody makes the jump from being successful in the reserves to being successful in the First team. But those who have proven themselves to be exceptional in the reserves set-up at least deserve a fair-shot at proving themselves at the top of the game. Can United fans honestly say that Obertan has been given ‘every chance’ to prove himself? If he had the full confidence of both the fans and the manager, could things be different?
I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson won’t give up on him so easily. Obertan will get plenty of chances. It’s important to remember, however, that this is a man without confidence who is trying to break into one of the best teams in world football. As patronising as it may sound, I think he would thrive with the full support of the crowd – at least then we could see if he’s really cut out to make it Old Trafford.
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Gotta agree with the author, all that anybody doubting him needs to do is think of nani. It might seem like an age ago, but for two years before this time last year, the majority of fans wanted him gone. Everyone is calling for gabbys head, but i am sure if he leaves, we’ll be seeing him in multiple lists of “the ones left too soon”
Agreed. He dominates in the youth games. Man amongst boys. Deserves more chances in the senior side. He has skills, just needs that confidence.
Tend to agree here . He is a tricky and fast player .If he wants to stay with us , then it is only a matter of time until he realises his potential. He isnt a natural so time is the key .