Ferguson Hails Fringe Players After Key Win

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his young fringe players after they contributed to an important European win at Bursaspor.

Gabriel Obertan, 21, and Bebe, 20, scored their first goals for the club in a 3-0 Champions League victory which puts them on the brink of the last 16.

"I'm very pleased with them," he said. "They played very well.

"Obertan's developing very well and getting much stronger now. He's a real good talent. His goal showed that."

Questions have been raised over the depth of quality in Ferguson's squad this season, but Obertan and substitute Bebe both repaid his faith while centre-back Chris Smalling produced an assured performance standing in for England captain Rio Ferdinand in Turkey.

"Gabriel has been derailed quite a bit by injury," said Ferguson of Obertan, whose brilliant 73rd-minute shot put United two goals up and beyond the reach of the Turkish champions.

"It has been a problem for the lad. He had two or three last season and then picked up another in Texas this pre-season that kept him out for five or six weeks.

"But he is back now and, as he showed against Bursaspor, he has fantastic talent."

Ferguson signed Portuguese striker Bebe for nearly £8m from Vitoria Guimaraes in the summer, even though he had never played a competitive game for the club and the Scot had not seen him play.

However, the manager is certain the 20-year-old has the potential to be a top class footballer.

"He is a good, young player who still has a lot to learn," he said. "He still needs a lot of coaching, but the raw talent is there.

"He is brave and quick, and for such a young player he is a good decision maker. The chances of him being able to realise his potential are very good."

However, there were negatives for United with Darren Fletcher, who opened the scoring, and improving winger Nani both picking up knocks.

Nani will definitely miss Saturday's Premier League match against Wolves, while Fletcher is doubtful.

"Unfortunately, Nani has a groin injury and is out for Saturday," confirmed Ferguson.

"I think Darren will be out as well, so that part has been disappointing. But these things happen in football.

"We may have Darron Gibson back after a bout of flu but Anderson has had a virus as well, and I don't think he will be ready."