Gabriel Obertan is adamant he is not Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement, but admits he would like his right-wing spot.
United winger keen to play down comparisons
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.
Work to be done
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."
