Champions plan for the future by snaring French talent

Manchester United have completed the signing of promising midfielder Gabriel Obertan from Bordeaux for £3m.

The 20-year-old winger is recognised as one of the brightest prospects in European footballer, but won't be rushed into action at Old Trafford.

Obertan made his debut for Bordeaux as a 17-year-old and impressed against Roma in last season's Champions League.

Skillful and quick, he is a regular at youth level for France and shone against the England U21s in a recent friendly.

Able to play on the wing, up front or in a central midfield role, Obertan was sent out on loan to French side Lorient last season to gain more first team experience and scored one goal.

Despite making 100 first team appearances it is unlikely that Obertan has been brought as an immediate replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, instead he will join Nani and Zoran Tosic in Sir Alex Ferguson's United winger development programme.