I'm average, but Fergie backs me
Gabriel
Obertan admits he was shocked to join Manchester United after
playing like Mr Average. The France U21 winger had a nightmare year
at Bordeaux and was even shipped out on loan to minnows Lorient. He
said: "It was flattering and surprising to know of United's
interest. I had difficulties last season. I knew United had
followed me but I didn't think it would happen this season. Sir
Alex put me at ease. He told me he knows my qualities and my
weaknesses and that he's not interested a lot in what I did before.
It's my potential that interests him. He has confidence in me
despite my average last season."
Anthony Kastrinakis, The Sun
Gary Neville says Michael
Owen has extra incentive to do well at Old Trafford this
season: he will want to earn a place in the England squad at next
summer's World Cup in South Africa. "I don't think Michael moved to
United for England. He's moved to improve Manchester United. But
the opportunity is there for him."
Sunderland are closing in on the £5million capture of young Reds
striker Fraizer Campbell, according to the
Times. Steve Bruce is said to be in talks with the player to
negotiate wages.
The Sun, who lambasted the player after England's 2006
World Cup exit, praises Cristiano Ronaldo for a "gracious" exit to
Spain. "In the end, [he] showed he does have a bit of class,"
writes Steven Howard in a piece entitled, "Bye Ron... we WILL miss
you!"