Newcastle Winger Claims Ferguson Is The Best Coach In The World

Newcastle winger Gabriel Obertan says he doesn't regret his spell at Manchester United for one moment, with the now Newcastle man revealing that Sir Alex Ferguson was particularly compassionate when he was suffering ongoing injuries at Old Trafford.

Obertan spent two years with the Red Devils before making the move to north eastern England, with the 23 year old suffering from injury problems during his time under Ferguson.

But despite having issues at United that ended up being his undoing at the club, Obertan claims that his only memories of his time there, and working with Ferguson, were very positive.

"I had a fracture in my back," he told Sud-Ouest. "When I was in Lorient [on loan, before moving to United], I had pain after a collision. We were not worried about it but it didn't disappear. I had some tests which revealed a micro-fracture in my vertebras. I spent five months out, I had nothing else to do, just having rest.

''When I was injured, he [Ferguson] stayed very close to me. He is the best coach in the world. I wanted to always be on the pitch, but all players do. I remember only positives about my two years in Manchester. My first match, against Blackburn, is my best memory. And my goal against Bursaspor in United's jersey stays an unforgettable moment in my career."

Now at Newcastle, Obertan is yet to really impress Alan Pardew, though he insists that this season he will have the chance to shine at St James' Park.

"I am happy in England, I have no regrets," he explained. "I am only 23, people can't forget me too quickly. However, I know I missed at some pivotal moments.

"If I scored some goals at these moments, things could be better. But I don't blame anyone than myself."

Newcastle will be hoping that the Frenchman can provide more depth in the forward line as they look to challenge for a top four spot again this season, but his form, particularly in front of goal, will need to pick up first.