Obertan and Bebe give United a taste of the future

A Manchester United team featuring several youngsters put in an assured performance to beat Bursaspor 3-0 to leave themselves on the verge of qualification for the Champions' League knockout stages.

Although their victory means Alex Ferguson's team are now unbeaten for 23 games, the win was not without cost as both Nani and goalscorer Darren Fletcher were taken off with injuries.

As well as Fletcher, two of United's young prospects - Gabriel Obertan, 21, and Bebe, 20 - got themselves on the scoresheet as the visitors took control in the second half.

Afterwards Ferguson paid tribute to the young duo. "Obertan's career has been derailed a bit with injuries and it's been hard for the lad," he said. "But he's now back and training well. He showed what we know, that he's got fantastic talent."

"Bebe is young and has things to learn. He hasn't had a lot of fundamental coaching, but he has lots of talent and he is very brave."

Ferguson added: "The important thing, away from home, is to control the game. The first goal is always important and it put us in the driving seat."

Before the game the United boss had said that the Champions' League was a superior tournament to the World Cup, which he compared to a trip to the dentist.

His team selection however suggested that the Premier League was his ultimate priority as he chose Obertan and Chris Smalling ahead of Javier Hernandez and Rio Ferdinand.

United had a chance to open the scoring on 38 minutes when Paul Scholes found himself through on goal after a one-two with Obertan and put the ball in the net, but the referee correctly ruled out the goal for an earlier handball by the veteran midfielder.

They didn't have to wait much longer to get their goal as Fletcher eventually breached the Bursaspor defence scoring after an insightful pass from Michael Carrick three minutes into the second half.

United's goal left Bursaspor with no choice but to push up and attempt to equalise, fatally leaving more gaps at the back which their English rivals took full advantage of.

Obertan made it two after 73 minutes when he recieved the ball from Ji-Sung Park on the edge of the box and venomously lashed home a right-foot shot from 20 yards.

Bebe, who replaced Fletcher after 63 minutes scored the third with 13 minutes remaining when Scholes played a neat pass into the box and the Portuguese striker's shot found the back of the net thanks to a deflection. ·