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Obertan wants to be a United regular

Gabriel Obertan scored his first Manchester United goal against Bursaspor © Getty Images

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Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan is hoping that an impressive display in his side's 3-0 Champions League victory over Bursaspor will pave the way for more regular involvement with the club's first team.

Sir Alex Ferguson signed Obertan from Bordeaux in July 2008 for a reported £3 million, but he failed to make an impression during his debut season, often finding himself relegated to the reserves.

With just two starts and eight substitute appearances under his belt in 2009-10, it had seemed as though Obertan was destined to be an Old Trafford flop, but the France Under-21 international has enhanced his reputation with exciting displays against Wolves and Bursaspor.

With Nani and long-term absentee Antonio Valencia both missing for this weekend's league meeting with Wolves, Obertan looks set for another start. And the 21-year-old winger is confident that he can finally prove his worth at United.

"It is going to be difficult to keep my place but I am going to work hard and make sure I have no regrets if I don't make the squad at the weekend,'' Obertan said. "But I am working towards making it and I hope the coach picks me.''

"I am very proud. It was a quality performance, especially with so many players missing. The most important thing was to win but it is nice to get the goal to go alongside it.''

Darren Fletcher joins Ferguson's growing list of injuries and the United boss must now manage his remaining players carefully, knowing victory over Wolves is essential, while at the same time being the least arduous test of a week that also includes the Manchester derby and a trip to Aston Villa.

A fifth clean sheet in eight matches provides reason for optimism after early season woes, with Ferguson acknowledging the return of Rio Ferdinand, who was excused yesterday's encounter after a punishing recent schedule, has had a major impact.

"We needed to cut out giving away those silly goals that were costing us points,'' Ferguson said. "Gradually, we have managed to eradicate it. There are many reasons but the return of Rio Ferdinand has made a difference.

"He has such experience alongside Nemanja Vidic. It has given us a more stable situation and we don't look as fragile now.''

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