Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is predicting a bright future for Gabriel Obertan.

The 20-year-old winger could be handed his Champions League debut on Tuesday at Old Trafford against CSKA Moscow.

With three straight wins in the group, United are almost certain of qualification.

Ferguson could again be be tempted to shuffle his pack in Europe, with a crucial Premier League match against Chelsea to follow.

United are aiming to complete the double over the Russians after a narrow victory in Moscow, thanks to a goal from Antonio Valencia.

It was a superb result in difficult conditions - given that Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra were among those rested.

Obertan's debut was delayed, because he arrived from Bordeaux in July with a back injury.

United's medical team immediately went to work on the problem, having been baffled that a remedy was not found in France.

It meant his first-team bow did not take place until this week when he played a full game in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley.

Ferguson is now looking for Obertan to kick on.

He said: "Gabriel has done very well. He has the ability - there is no doubt about that.

"He has marvellous pace, which is always important in football today. He has overcome his injury, which is the most important thing.

"It means we are not worried about restrictions for the lad. We hope we have corrected the problem."

CSKA Moscow's problems continued after the home defeat by United, resulting in former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos being sacked.

He was dismissed at the weekend after his side went down to local rivals FC Moscow.

Ramos had been in charge for less than seven weeks, but his side managed to win four of the nine games under his stewardship.

Ferguson is hoping to take advantage of the turmoil and secure a home victory.

United's progress has been smooth so far, with wins against Besiktas and Wolfsburg too.

Ferguson wants to win the trophy for a third time, after they lost to Barcelona in the final last season.

But he is happy playing patience and added: "I have always maintained you need 10 points to qualify.

"We now have a home game - which we hope will take us to the next stage."