He was supposed to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, at 32 he will play in the 2nd league in the USA

It was 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo became the world’s most expensive footballer when he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid. But Sir Alex Ferguson managed to bring one of the greatest talents in French football to his team. Gabriel Obertan was to replace the Portuguese star. But it never happened.

Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United in the summer of 2009 as the last winner of the Ballon d’Or for the best footballer on the planet. It was obvious that replacing him would not be easy. At the helm, however, was Sir Alex Ferguson, who was no longer too keen on expensive signings.

Rather, he sought out talented players. That is exactly what he did in the case of Ronaldo’s replacement. In France, there was a lot of talk about the 20-year-old talent, who was considered one of the best prospects in local football. He was Gabriel Obertan, then playing for Girondins Bordeaux.

There was a lot of interest in him. Inter Milan and Arsenal, for example, wanted him. But in the end, it was Manchester United who took him for just four million euros. And at the beginning it didn’t look bad at all. Obertan impressed with his speed, his dribbling, his confidence. The talent was obvious. Even the media was hailing him as Ronaldo’s successor.

But as time went on, the French winger couldn’t take another step forward. He could never fully assert himself. So he lasted only two years with the Red Devils. Manchester United were happy to buy him for 3.5 million in 2011 from Newcastle.

Overall, Obertan played only 27 competitive games for Manchester United with a record of 1 goal and 4 assists. Fortunately, he did not come for big money, so the shameful transfer did not take place.

However, the French winger did not shine at Newcastle either. On the contrary. After five years, he left as a free agent. Subsequently, he worked in Makhachkala, Wigan, tried the Bulgarian league in the jersey of Levski Sofia. Until recently, he played for the Turkish team Buyuksehir Belediye Erzurumspor, with whom he played in the second and first Turkish league.

But now he will enjoy life in the USA. He has signed a contract with Charlotte Independence, who play in the United Soccer League (USL), the second league. Still only 32 years old, Obertan should still enjoy the better years of his career. But things are very different.

Source: Transfermarkt, Bleacher Report, Goal, Charlotte Independent