Promising winger makes long-awaited debut

Football fans on internet forums are quick to scoff at young players, who are good on computer games such as Football Manager, but are relatively unknown in the real world, so Gabriel Obertan’s arrival at Old Trafford was greeted with mixed feelings.

Most pundits had only seen glimpses of his ability on YouTube, while others were quoting his former manager’s rather unfavourable summary of the player’s progress, but I was very delighted at Obertan’s transfer to Man Utd.

Two seasons ago, I watched the weekly Ligue 1 highlights regularly in order to monitor the progress of Karim Benzema, but Gabriel Obertan constantly impressed me and I couldn’t believe Bordeaux had let a player with so much potential go for such a modest sum.

Besides being very quick, he has great ball-control, vision, creativity, can put in good crosses, as well as dribble and has an eye for goal.

The French winger made an impressive debut against Oldham Athletic last night in a game which United won 3-0.

He displayed all of the qualities above, but was obviously short of practise – looking out of breath on a few occasions and misplcing a few passes, but he still managed to catch the eye with his skill and trickery.

Here is a clip of his debut:

Controversial teenage signing doeswell, as youngsters crash to Crewe

After gaining official permission from FIFA to register former Le Havre starlet Paul Progba as a Manchester United player, the French teenager made an outstanding debut in an otherwise flat performance by the Academy team against Crewe.

Progba played in midfield, although he is considered to be a central defender and impressed with his range of passing, as well as his determination. The tall, athletic youngster also caught the eye with an impressive free-kick from 25 yards out, which hit the woodwork.

I certainly hope he fulfills his potential and proves to be worth the hassle and bad press.

Ben Foster continues to receive support, but doubt still lingers.

Dutch goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, is on the verge of returning to first team action for Manchester United – much to the delight of Man Utd’s fans, who have witnessed Ben Foster throw away his chance to become the main custodian at old Trafford.

Inspite of Foster’s poor decision-making, which has resulted in at least two goals being conceeded, van der Sar has backed Foster to come good.

“Nobody has a clear path in their career,” Van der Sar told the Manchester Evening News.

“You go up and down. You just have to make sure that the downs are not as deep as the ones you go up.

“I had similar things when I was young. That is what makes you the man and the player you become as a goalkeeper.

“Ben certainly has the strength of character to overcome what he has been through. How he deals with it will shape the player he will be.

“He is a very strong guy. I have sympathy for him but I have no worries about him.”

Even if Foster has the mental strength to bounce back from setbacks, there will always be question marks about his decision-making.

He had an outstanding two seasons on loan at Watford, but even then conceeded a goal from a Paul Robinson goal-kick. A shoking mistake, which is still used in highlight footage today.

Further shockers against Malaysia in pre-season, Man City and Sunderland have left me disappointed in Foster. He displayed so much potential, but his decision-making has been dreadful.

I am not sure if the poor decions are a result of poor focus, over-confidence or lack of awareness, but they are detremental to the team and does not infuse confidence.

Just like Rio Ferdinand, I worry that Foster can go on a good run and turn out Man of the Match performances, only to implode when it really matters.

A goal-keeper cannot afford that luxury and it might be time to look at some solid alternatives like Manuel Neuer, Rene Adler, Igor Akinfeev or Hugo Lloris.

French strlet given the all-clear to join the Red Devils

The official Manchester united website announced today that a FIFA-appointed judge has ruled that United have not breached any FIFA regulations – specifically Article 19, which focuses on the protection of minors – and world football’s governing body has advised the FA to register Pogba as a United player with immediate effect.

A club spokesman told ManUtd.com: “Manchester United is pleased to confirm that the Football Association has been authorised by FIFA to register Paul Pogba as a United player with immediate effect.”