Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Obertan turns heat on Nani
RISING French star Gabriel Obertan is putting Nani's United future under threat. The surprise summer capture from Bordeauxcould prove to be a £3m Sir Alex Ferguson bargain buy. Nani has struggled to convince Reds fans and critics that he can be an Old Trafford fixture since his £18m move from Sporting Lisbon in 2007. The Portuguese winger was hoping Cristiano Ronaldo's exit might open the door for him but, despite 10 starts, he has not grasped his chance. Now 20-year-old Obertan aims to leapfrog him after overcoming the back injury he arrived from France with. Though former United defender and French legend Laurent Blanc was shocked that Fergie decided to take a punt on the Under-21 international, who was under him at Bordeaux, Obertan is starting to excite United supporters. And, while Nani started against Blackburn and CSKA Moscow, he wasn't in the 18 on duty at Chelsea on Sunday and Obertan came on at Stamford Bridge with another impressive substitute cameo to add to his late show against CSKA last Tuesday. "After four months of just waiting and resting, I've been really looking forward to starting my career as a Manchester United player," said Obertan. "I wanted to feel part of the squad, part of the group, and be involved in the games. So I'm feeling really good right now. "At first I just want to be part of the squad, be in the group that travels to all the games, and get a few minutes in each game to begin with. "Then, if I keep working hard and show what I can do, I have ambition. So, why not aim to be a regular in the team? I might need a year to achieve that, but I hope I can do it."
