Gabriel Obertan has hit the ground running since making his long-awaited United debut in late October. The Frenchman is now hoping to make further progress, following his first Barclays Premier League start against Wolves...
So Gabriel, were you pleased with your first league start?Yes, I'm quite happy. I just wanted to play my game and show my qualities, hopefully I did that. I felt I was better in the first half when I slowed down a bit.
Were you nervous?Not really, because Pat [Evra] was behind me. He knows how I play so it's easier for me. He can place me when we're defending, it's very helpful. But really everyone was encouraging me.
Is English football what you expected?Yes. It’s quick – there’s a lot of space behind defenders. And every team wants to win the game when they play. In France, sometimes the first thing the team wants to do is not lose. But here, they all want to win. That makes the game more open and you have more chances. Every game is difficult. Even in the [4-1] win against Portsmouth it was difficult. Every game is different, and each one is like a combat, it’s a fight.
Have you had to adapt your game?Maybe a bit, but I think my qualities were made for this type of football. So it was quite easy to fit in here. I was built for English football.
Are there any players you’ve modelled your game on?When I was younger I liked Thierry Henry… then I liked Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.
What's your favourite bit of trickery?I learned to play football in the street with my friends. And when you play street football, the things you want to do are all the tricks like nutmegs. My favourite is probably the stepover.
So I like doing tricks - but only if they are effective. There's no point doing it if there's nothing at the end of it.
United have a tradition of wingers – are you an out-and-out winger?I think for now I am a true winger. But maybe in the future I could play forward or striker. I like one-v-one – I’m quick and I like to run in behind defenders and create opportunities.
When teams put a lot of people behind the ball, does that make the winger’s job even more important?Yes. I think wingers are very important in modern football. In the game against Besiktas [at OT in late November] it was quite difficult because all the players were like defenders. I think the winger’s role is important in that type of game.
You've already built up a good rapport with the fans...I’m very pleased by the way they have supported me. When I hear them singing my name, the only thing I want to do is give them something back. It’s like a big boost behind you, like someone pushing you on to make that pass or score that goal. It’s inspiring.
You usually switch wings during the game. Is that something you’ve been told to do, or does it come naturally?I just do it. If I have an opportunity to be efficient or help someone, I’ll do it. As long as the other winger wants to, I like to test the other full-back.
Will we see a first United goal soon?I hope so! I think it’s possible. I had chances against Blackburn. I just have to work more on my finishing. I’m confident it will come though.
How will you celebrate when it does come?Maybe with Pat. Yeah, I’ll do something with Pat.
What is it like training with the great players at United?Very different than in France, because the quality is much higher and you have to adapt yourself to that. The game’s quicker, the passes are always good, so there’s no excuse or reason to complain. You just have to adapt yourself and be focused.
What are your goals between now and the end of the season?Just to improve and do the best for the club. And score some goals, also.
What do you think United can achieve this season?I think we have the team to win everything. I think we can challenge in every competition. We’re already in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup…
Any thoughts about making the French World Cup squad?Not really. I’m in the Under-21s now, and I’m just focused on that and the club. But if I play well, you never know.
And your goals for the next 10 years?I’ve not thought that far ahead so I don’t know yet. It seems like such a long time away, but Jim Ryan has said to me that a career goes so fast. My goals are just to win titles with Manchester United and play well here.
GABRIEL Obertan might shy away from comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo - but he is pretty keen on the Portuguese superstar's stepover routine.
With Ronaldo now at Real Madrid, Manchester United supporters are looking for a new hero to cheer.
After a delayed start to his Old Trafford career following a cut-price £3million summer move from Bordeaux, Obertan is now showing the Red Devils faithful the skills that made him one of Europe's most sought-after young players before his career was halted by injury.
The 20-year-old went on a few mazy runs last night after making his first Premier League start against Wolves.
And don't be surprised if the stepover routine Ronaldo carried out so mesmerically returns to the United menu in the months ahead.
"I learned to play football in the street with my friends," Obertan said.
"And when you play street football, the things you want to do are all the tricks, like nutmegs. My favourite is probably the stepover.
"I like doing tricks - but only if they are effective.
"There is no point doing it if there is nothing at the end of it."
Obertan has now made nine appearances. Given his ability to get round defenders and force his way into the box, the chances are he will make a lot more before the season is over.
The France Under-21 star is yet to score, having infamously failed to convert a simple tap-in on his debut against Blackburn at the end of October.
"I hope I will score soon," he said.
"It is possible. I had those chances against Blackburn.
"I do have to work more on my finishing but I am confident it will come."
Dec 17 2009, 10:55 AM
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