Gabriel Obertan admits he never expected to sign for Manchester United this summer.

Although the 20-year-old winger was aware of Sir Alex Ferguson’s interest, he admits he thought he would remain at Bordeaux for the time being.

"I knew they had been following me for a few years but I did not think it was going to happen this season,” Obertan, who joined United this week for £3million, told RMC.

"We had no longer been in too much contact until the England Under-21s game where I played well and scored. That helped things along. We spoke again, and I ended up signing.

"He [Ferguson] has put me at ease. He said to me that he knows my pros and cons. It's my potential that interests him. He has confidence in me. It is flattering and surprising.”