Fergie impressed by Obertan show

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise on Gabriel Obertan after the French winger steered his side to its second successive pre–season tour victory.

The 21–year–old capped an impressive all–round display by hitting the winner against Philadelphia Union in the 76th minute of the pre–season warm–up at Lincoln Financial Field last night.

The strike was Obertan’s first in United’s colours since joining from Bordeaux last year.

Obertan’s debut season at Old Trafford was marred by injury but he looked full of running against the Union and broke the stiff resistance of the Major League Soccer outfit with a neat finish after being played in by teenage striker Danny Welbeck.

Ferguson said: “Goals always help players of course, and when they are forwards in particular. There is a goal in Gabby, there is no question of that.”

Ferguson started the match with a youthful line–up. In addition to Welbeck and Obertan, the United boss put his faith in Jonny Evans, Fabio, Federico Macheda and Tom Cleverley.

Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes added some experience to proceedings, and Ferguson called on Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher in the second half in a bid to break down a stubborn Union side.

The inclusion of Berbatov almost brought a second goal but the Bulgarian was unfortunate to see his late effort smack the underside of the crossbar.

It was United’s first visit to the stadium since 2004 and the match had the feel of a cup tie thanks to an enthusiastic crowd of 44,213.