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Steve McClaren says that Gabriel Obertan was picked for “tactical reasons” against Southampton - but has warned his players there is no letting up ahead of Saturday’s trip to Swansea City.

The French winger’s inclusion was met with groans by some sections of United’s fanbase.

But he shone in parts of the game and provided a quality cross for Gini Wijnaldum to net his first Premier League goal to help earn a 2-2 draw against the Saints.

When asked why he picked Obertan over fan favourite Rolando Aarons, McClaren said: “It was tactical really in aspect to Cedric Soares, who is a hell of an attacking full-back and we wanted somebody to stay wide and curb that.

“I think he (Obertan) did it that well. Southampton took Soares off at half-time and changed him.

“We have been trying to get him to do that a bit more.”

McClaren also built up praise for the former Manchester United winger.

He said: “He has got great pace and strength. Sometimes you have to run beyond people.

“He did that towards the end of the first half, and the second goal was fantastic.

“It was good that Papiss scored, that Gabby did that and Gini also scored.”

Fans will wait to see whether McClaren mixes it up against Swansea this weekend.

Interestingly, Obertan put in a good display last season in the 2-2 draw when the winger created a goal for Papiss Cisse.

(Image: PA Wire)

Reflecting on performances from his players against Southampton, McClaren added: “I am pleased because what I have seen is a great foundation and base on what we can build on. That’s what I said to the players.

“But you know the Premier League. If you don’t prepare or recover properly then you aren’t right for next week, and we have another tough game against Swansea.

“And there’s no letting up – especially with our start.”

And while McClaren enjoyed a good reception for his first game he also accepted that times won’t always be so smooth.

He said: “This place is unique. I have to go a long way to get to my seat up at the top of the stand.

“I am sure during the season I will get a lot of stick – not just handshakes!

“It’s great to get the first game out of the way.

“For the players – because that’s it last season has gone – and for us (the staff) because we have something new we can feed back on.

“We have experienced a great home game.

“Southampton contributed as well and it was a great game for neutrals.

“Not maybe us but we just want to get better on that.”

Meanwhile, United winger Ivan Toney got through his first 90 minutes as a Newcastle player in the Under-21s’ 3-1 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.