Versatile players like Gabriel Obertan and Antonio
Valencia are "invaluable", according to Reds boss Sir Alex.
The new arrivals were unveiled at a press conference
at Carrington on Monday, where the United manager was quick to sing
their praises.
"They're both very quick and play in wide positions, although they
can also play through the middle," he said. "Players who can play
in several positions are invaluable in the modern game.
"You saw the contribution John O’Shea made last season – we played
him in three or four positions and he was excellent in every
one.
"But we like wide players at this club and [Obertan and Valencia]
give us two more avenues to explore."
Sir Alex revealed United had been keeping tabs on French sensation
Obertan for four years.
"We’ve monitored Gabriel since he was 16 years of age and he was
probably the most sought-after youngster in Europe. His form dipped
a little last year, possibly due to an injury, but he’s regained
that form and was fantastic against England U21s earlier this year.
That reignited our interest in the boy."
Most of the questions at the press conference were directed at
fellow new recruit Michael Owen, although Obertan did manage to get
a few words in.
"To play even a few minutes on the pitch in every game would be
great. I'll work hard while I'm here and we'll see what
happens...
"I think it would be pretentious of me [to talk about making
France's squad for 2010 World Cup] but I'll work hard to progress
and improve."
Valencia, too, had little to answer, but the Ecuador
international did insist he felt no pressure to step into
Cristiano Ronaldo's vacant boots.
"When I had my first conversations with Manchester United it was
never said that I was coming here to replace Cristiano.
"Obviously Cristiano did very well here and he's a good player. But
I’m here to do my job and to do the things that I do well. I’m keen
to do well, I have a desire to do well, and I don’t really make any
comparisons between myself and Cristiano."