Manchester United clinch Obertan deal

Pa
Wednesday 08 July 2009 15:11 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United have continued their rebuilding for the new season with the signing of winger Gabriel Obertan from Bordeaux.

The 20-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with the Barclays Premier League champions.

Obertan, a Paris-born France Under-21 international who can fill several attacking roles, will have to wait for his first-team bow, however, as an unspecified minor injury will keep him out of United's forthcoming tour of the Far East.

Obertan underwent a medical yesterday and reports in France have claimed he will cost the Red Devils around £3million.

"Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now, but because of his educational programme our efforts to get him here have always been delayed," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told www.manutd.com.

"We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years."

Bordeaux sent Obertan on loan to Lorient for the second half of last season where he made 15 appearances, scoring one goal.

"I am very happy to join Manchester United," the player added.

"This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do."

Obertan scored against England Under-21s in March and took the Most Valuable Player award at last month's Toulon International youth tournament.

He becomes Ferguson's third signing of the close season after Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have led the departures in an already eventful summer at Old Trafford.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in