Manchester United Sign a Starlet

Sir Alex Ferguson has made Bordeaux's Gabriel Obertan United's third signing of the summer, after the promising young Frenchman signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old's contract keeps him at Old Trafford until at least June 2013, and Sir Alex revealed Obertan, who can play in a variety of attacking positions, is a player whose progress he has followed for some time.

"Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now, but because of his educational programme our efforts to get him here have always been delayed," the Reds boss told ManUtd.com.

"We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years."

Gabriel admits he jumped at the chance to join the Barclays Premier League champions.

“I am very happy to join Manchester United," he told us. "This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do."

However, the club has confirmed that due to a slight injury which needs attention, Gabriel will not travel on the pre-season tour.

10 things you must know about Gabriel Obertan

After waving goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United look set to sign another exciting young forward in the shape of Gabriel Obertan.

Here's the lowdown on the French starlet who has been touted as the new Thierry Henry...

1. Gabriel Obertan was born on 26 February 1989 in Paris.

2. Hailed as the new Thierry Henry, the Frenchman primarily plays as a striker but can also play in the midfield on either wing with his biggest threat his searing speed.

3. He has played for France at youth level at all age groups from U-16s and scored against England in the U21 friendly at the City ground on 31 March 2009.

4. As a youth he joined Paris FC in 2002 before joining Paris-Saint Germain a year later. He then moved to the Clairfontaine academy in 2004, where he was spotted by Bordeaux the following year.

5. He signed his first professional contract in 2006/07 season where he was given the number 26 shirt for the senior squad. He made 17 appearances in his first season for the Girondins.

6. Obertan really announced himself with a spectacular goal against Marseille in 2008 - the fact it came in the dying moments of a must-win game made the headlines even bigger.

7. With Bordeaux challenging for the title in the 2008/09 season and Obertan not getting much playing time in the early part of the season, coach Laurent Blanc sent him out on a six month loan spell with FC Lorient to get match practice. His time at Lorient brought plenty of game time, with 15 appearances, but only one goal.

8. Chelsea, Arsenal, Inter Milan and AC Milan have also previously shown interest in the French striker.

9. United's move seems to have come as a surprise to Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc, who told Europe1: "I was surprised too, but it is an unexpected chance for him to play with one of the best clubs in the world".

10. He was awarded the Most Valuable Player award at last month's Toulon International Youth Tournament after a series of stunning performances.

Manchester United ~ Crowned Premier League Champions 08/09

Wow ~ a season long effort has really paid off pretty well. the Red Devils retain the Barclay's Premier League :) ~