Obertan: Has looked bright
Gabriel Obertan is adamant he is not Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement, but admits he would like the right-wing spot at Manchester United vacated by the Portuguese star.
While Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid dominated the back pages all summer, Obertan was ushered into Old Trafford with the minimum of fuss.
His first few months in Manchester were hampered by injury but he has shown glimpses of real talent in recent weeks in a smattering of appearances for United's first team.
The France Under 21 international was handed his first UEFA Champions League start by Sir Alex Ferguson on Wednesday night and was one of the few United players to emerge with any credit from the 1-0 defeat to Besiktas.
It was something of a throwback to Ronaldo's early days as Obertan hinted at some of the tricks he has in his locker.
Yet the £3million summer arrival from Bordeaux has no wish to be bracketed in the same company as Ronaldo.
"I am not Ronaldo's successor," stated Obertan.
"For now there is no comparison, I am just trying to be Gabriel Obertan.
"I have only been here for six months and I cannot do what he did in that time."
Obertan admits he has a long way to go before he is the finished product and can be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Ronaldo.
"I want to do more," he said. "I have not scored yet and I have not made an assist.
"I have put in some good performances but they have only been short appearances when I came on as a substitute.
"I want to do more than that and I think I could. That is what I am wishing for.
"If I get another chance, I know I will take it."

Latest Sky Sports News Report
Chelsea v Arsenal
Birmingham v Wolves
Portsmouth v Sunderland - 1st Half
Wigan v Stoke - 2nd Half
Wigan v Stoke - 1st Half
Fulham v Burnley - 2nd Half
Portsmouth v Sunderland - 2nd Half
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 10th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Arsenal vs Liverpool |
| 19:45 | Aston Villa vs Man Utd |
| 19:45 | West Ham vs Birmingham |
| 19:45 | Wolverhampton vs Tottenham |
| 20:00 | Blackburn vs Hull |
| 20:00 | Everton vs Chelsea |
| Tuesday 16th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Stoke vs Man City |
| Wednesday 17th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | Wigan vs Bolton |
| Saturday 20th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Everton vs Man Utd |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Sunderland |
| 15:00 | West Ham vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Wolverhampton vs Chelsea |
| 17:30 | Portsmouth vs Stoke |
| Sunday 21st February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 14:00 | Aston Villa vs Burnley |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Birmingham |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Liverpool |
| 16:15 | Wigan vs Tottenham |
| Monday 22nd February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | Blackburn vs Bolton |
| Tuesday 23rd February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | Man Utd vs West Ham |
| Saturday 27th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Chelsea vs Man City |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 9th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man City 2 - 0 Bolton | |
| Wigan 1 - 1 Stoke | |
| Portsmouth 1 - 1 Sunderland | |
| Fulham 3 - 0 Burnley | |
| Sunday 7th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Birmingham 2 - 1 Wolverhampton | |
| Chelsea 2 - 0 Arsenal | |
| Saturday 6th February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Liverpool 1 - 0 Everton | |
| Hull 2 - 1 Man City | |
| Stoke 3 - 0 Blackburn | |
| Bolton 0 - 0 Fulham | |
| Sunderland 1 - 1 Wigan | |
| Man Utd 5 - 0 Portsmouth | |
| Burnley 2 - 1 West Ham | |
| Tottenham 0 - 0 Aston Villa | |
| Wednesday 3rd February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Fulham 1 - 0 Portsmouth | |
| Tuesday 2nd February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Hull 1 - 1 Chelsea | |
| Monday 1st February | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Sunderland 0 - 0 Stoke | |
| Sunday 31st January | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man City 2 - 0 Portsmouth | |
| Arsenal 1 - 3 Man Utd | |
| Saturday 30th January | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Birmingham 1 - 1 Tottenham | |
Portsmouth left it late to grab a point while Manchester City and Fulham were comfortable winners.
Norwich's success this season means more to Chris Martin than most, as Chris Burton found out.
See all the goals and major incidents involving YOUR team, right here on skysports.com.
Manchester City overcame Bolton, Portsmouth salvaged a late draw against Sunderland, Fulham saw off Burnley and Stoke held Wigan.
Aruna Dindane salvaged a priceless point for troubled Portsmouth as they drew 1-1 with Sunderland.
Avram Grant said his dismissal against Sunderland was a product of him 'having enough' of the club's difficulties.
Steve Bruce hit out at Lee Cattermole and David Meyler after the two players saw red at Fratton Park.
Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor grabbed a goal apiece as Man City overcame Bolton at Eastlands.
Post to your View!
Be the first to post a comment on this story