With all the attention on the Dimitar Berbatov saga, little has been made of 25 year old Angolan national, Manucho, who has rejoined Manchester United after finally securing a UK work permit. Manucho signed a three year contract with United last December, but was forced out on loan to Panathinaikos FC after he was unable to obtain a UK work permit.
It became obvious just how good of a prospect Manucho was after his spectacular showing at this years' African Cup of Nations. During the Cup of Nations he scored four goals in three games and was named honored with a "Best XI of the Cup" award. Now the real question will be, how does Ferguson balance the likes of Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez and Manucho?
24 year old Angolan striker Manucho Gonçalves, simply known as Manucho, agreed to sign with United a few weeks ago, but it wasn't until recently that his work permit cleared. He is set to join Sir Alex's squad after the African Cup of Nations.
I haven't seen much of Manucho play (African league games aren't easy to find on television), but his performance in the African Cup of Nations seems to be promising. He scored a fantastic goal against 2010 World Cup hosts' South African in his first match of the tournament (check out the goal and highlights from the match below.)
While it may seem like overkill for Manchester to pick up another attacking player, I think it is a wise move. Manucho, who is left footed, could be used as an effective substitute on the left wing for veteran Ryan Giggs. Especially as Giggs' (age 34) fitness may be an issue as the schedule of play becomes more intense.
On a side note, all of the action I have seen from the African Cup of Nations has proved to be exciting and fast paced. It really is a shame that there isn't more coverage of it here in the West.
