Manchester United Signs Bebe (Tiago Manual Dias Correia)
Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a lot of gambles in the past, while his success has been much associated with the amount of risk-taking involved in his decisions. Probably, this attribute makes Ferguson the best manager in the World. However, some decisions have proven to be wrong in the past, especially when Ferguson let Diego Forlan go to La Liga. This season, Ferguson did not spend much to strengthen his squad, which was another risky manoeuvre by United’s boss.
However, last week, Ferguson decided to sign a relatively unknown player, 20 year old Tiago Manual Dias Correia, or Bebe, from Portugal. Bebe is not a well known figure in Europe, or even in his home country Portugal. United got hold of the player for a meagre £7.4 million, paid to his former club Vitoria Guimaraes. Ironically, the player recently joined Vitoria on a free transfer this summer. Previously, he had been playing for Estrala Emadora, a third division team in Portugal.
Bebe has not played a lot of football, mainly because of his humble background. Previously, Bebe competed in the 2009 European Street Football Festival for CAIS. This organization was also responsible for Portugal’s Homeless World Cup team. Bebe did not have a childhood home, as he grew up in an orphanage, learning his football on the streets of Agualva-Cacem.
These credentials were not high enough for Ferguson to buy a player of Bebe’s reputation. Apart from this festival, Bebe showed some good quality during the pre-season for his club, as he scored four goals in seven matches. Despite this lack of football, Ferguson picked up the youngster, thus taking the biggest gamble of his life. Looking at the strength of his current squad, Ferguson can only hope that the gamble pays off as early as possible.
Talking to the press, Ferguson admitted that he has never seen this player in action. This would be the first time in Ferguson’s managerial history that he has taken such a big gamble, while signing an unknown player. However, Ferguson said that he had to listen to his scout in Portugal, who wanted this player badly. Therefore, acting upon his advice, United’s boss decided to go along with the deal.
When Bebe was presented before the press, he showed his commitment and desire to do well for his new club. Like other Portuguese youngsters, Manchester United is a dream move, because Sir Alex Ferguson was the one responsible for Cristiano Ronaldo’s glory in the world of football. Hence, Bebe showed his desire to follow the example of his Portuguese compatriot. Also, Bebe was keen to play alongside other Portuguese players at Old Trafford, i.e. Nani and Anderson.
Bebe could prove to be a worthwhile signing for Ferguson, after a very long time. Although, he is relatively unknown, he has great potential for being a top quality player. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall, which makes him a big presence in the penalty area. Also, unlike other tall players, Bebe has a great touch, combined with a powerful shot. Apart from these attributes, Bebe has got great pace as well, which makes him a complete striker.
All these attributes make Bebe a striker that can play in either position. Also, he can play the role of a lone striker in the team, as he has the physical presence to hold on to ball. However, the only problem is that Bebe has no experience whatsoever, as far as professional football is concerned. He has only played at third division level, which is not good enough for him to win a place in Manchester United’s squad.
Right now, the anticipation would be at the highest level for Bebe’s first match with Manchester United. Also, Ferguson would be dying to test him in a premier league match. Everyone would be hoping that the gamble pays off for Manchester United, as the team is in desperate need of some good luck.
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