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Tiago Manuel Dias Correia
A week back, Tiago Manuel Dias Correia or ‘Bebe’ as he is fondly known, did not have a Wikipedia page or a single video of him on Youtube. Manchester United shocked the world when they signed the 20 year old Portuguese youngster as football enthusiasts all over the world scoured the internet to know about the unknown footballer. Bebe, who has his roots in the Cape Verde island, played in the Portuguese third division before signing for the top flight club Vitória de Guimarães. With his pre-season exploits alerting clubs like Real Madrid, the Old Trafford management stepped in to sign the two-footed winger for £7.4 million. Untested in competitive football comparable to the EPL’s standards, Bebe is a typical Alex Ferguson signing, for the manager possesses an excellent scouting staff who have a great talent in spotting precocious talent.
Cristiano Ronaldo was an unfledged talent playing for Sporting Lisbon before being brought to Old Trafford, where he had the most formative period of his career turning him into the brightest talent in the world. Nani, another Portuguese who has his roots in Cape Verde, was also signed from Sporting CP, and prior to his exploits mid-way through last season was demonised by many fans who urged Sir Alex to sell him. Nani bloomed into a constant menace in the flanks, thanks to his surge in form. The remark that he made at the beginning of last season that he would fill Ronaldo’s void was deemed risible then. Today, that is a distinct possibility as the winger is growing from strength to strength. Bebe comes in the line of the two brilliant Portuguese wingers to have graced Old Trafford.
With City and Chelsea splashing money wildly on the transfer market, it is refreshing to see the European powerhouse that Man Utd is, to sign an unknown youngster and integrate him into the club. The Red Devil’s scouting staff already hit the bull’s eye with Javier Hernandez. Hailed by Carlos Queiroz as a bright talent, the unknown Bebe could be Fergie’s new fledgling in a few years.
