Park Ji-Sung has matured into a very important player for Manchester United this season. Over the last couple of months he had demonstrated that he is in the best form of his United career. Yet it wasn’t so long ago that fans were calling for Park to be dropped; he’s always been a decent squad player, but never quite seemed to be on the same level as recent United wingers Giggs, Nani, Valencia and Ronaldo.

Yet times have changed at Old Trafford and Park has matured into a rather decent, capable and dependable winger. Performances like the one against Arsenal last Monday demonstrate his importance to the team. He’s feisty, good on the ball and has a knack for getting goals.

It’s no surprise then, that he shall be sorely missed when he jets off to the Asian Cup this January. Park’s last game for United before the cup shall be the Boxing Day clash with Sunderland. The 29 year-old could miss up to six Premier League games and an FA Cup tie.

Even Sir Alex Ferguson seems somewhat concerned about Park’s absence. “It is a shame he has to go, but there’s nothing we can do about that. He is very important for us…” So how exactly will United deal with Park’s absence?

Antonio Valencia would be the obvious choice to replace Park, but he’s still recovering from his horrific injury against Rangers back in September. It’s unlikely we’ll see the Ecuadorian back until February. As such, United will have to survive the month of January without both Park and Valencia. Can they cope?

There is of course, Ryan Giggs, who still has the ability, if not the stamina to compete in the Premier League. Giggs can’t be relied upon for 90 minutes, but he can come on as a sub and still light up a game. Unfortunately for United, if they aren’t going to bring in a player during the transfer window, they will have to look to the club’s younger players.

This leaves Gabriel Obertan and Bebe. Both players are prospects, but lack in experience. I think most fans will agree that Bebe isn’t ready for the rigours of the Premier League – at least not on any regular basis. Furthermore, Obertan is without doubt the more skilful player, though he often frustrates when given the chance. Obertan suffers from a similar problem to the one that plagues Theo Walcott at Arsenal – both struggle with basic decision making. When Obertan gets the ball he often takes too long to decide what to do with it. Although Obertan can appear at times to be nervous on the ball, there is hope that age will give him a dynamism more suited to the Premier League. Still, you have to wonder whether he is ready to be thrown into the deep end just yet?

It’s important to remember that these comments were made about players like Ronaldo at a young age and are still made about Nani, who appears to be developing well. Decision making ability comes with experience. Obertan has the talent and technique required to make it at Manchester United and thus he deserves a chance. This is especially true considering that players like Ronaldo and Nani had many more chances to show their worth than Obertan has had yet.

United may have limited options and their hand may have been forced, but it’s time to give Obertan a shot.

For more footballing debate and discussion, be sure to follow @ThePerfectPass on Twitter.

Buy Man United Champions League tickets here!