Why it’s time for Manchester United to cut ties with this man:

Opinions have been divided between Manchester United fans when it comes to Gabriel Obertan, though I think it’s fair to say that most still don’t see the value in the French winger. Some argue that he hasn’t been given enough opportunities to shine, whilst others claim that he hasn’t earned the right to more opportunities in the squad. Sir Alex Ferguson is the kind of manager who would allow talent to naturally progress through his team and the fact that he hasn’t been granted more opportunities in the first-team is evidence that he might not have what it takes.

Manchester United are thought to be courting the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Ashley Young this summer. If they do add another winger to their collection, it would strike me that the best thing for his career would be to seek a move out of Old Trafford.

Of course, Manchester United already have two fine wingers in the likes of Antonio Valencia and Luis Nani. This means that even if Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t bring in one of the many wingers that United have been linked with, Obertan remains too far down the pecking order.

Like many, I had high expectations for Obertan when he joined the club a couple of years ago. Unfortunately for one reason or another he has failed to impress and it seems that the best way forward for the 22-year-old would be to step down to a club that could offer him more game time.

Certain rumours suggest that Manchester United are currently trying to engineer a part-exchange for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but whether Southampton would be willing to trade a major talent for mediocrity remains to be seen.

During his best performances for the reserves, Obertan looks like a player with good pace and balance who is good with the ball at his feet. You can’t help but feel that with enough game time he has the ability to leave his mark on a lesser team. Perhaps what’s best for all at the moment is that United seek out a loan move for the Frenchman. That way Obertan has the chance to prove what he can do and potentially put himself in the shop window when it comes to a transfer elsewhere in the future.

At the moment Manchester United wouldn’t make too much money if they were to sell Obertan. If he were to get regular game time at a decent Premier League or Championship club however, they may be able to extract a decent transfer fee from their winger.

One thing’s clear, things can’t remain this way for another season. If they did, Obertan’s career may suffer as a result. As such, a loan move is the best possible result for both player and club. Whilst this may not be a major priority for Sir Alex this summer, it’s certainly something I hope he deals with.

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