Bebe: I'll prove my worth

zocoss SG

Cool finish: Bebe was on target for United

Manchester United forward Bebe finally got his first Champions League goal after UEFA had initially threatened to classify his late strike against Bursaspor on Tuesday as an own goal.

But the 20-year-old Portuguese winger is determined to keep a low profile as he fights to make his mark at Old Trafford following his £7million summer move from Guimaraes.

'I am a very humbled person,' said Bebe yesterday. 'If you had told me two years ago that I would have been playing for United at this stage, I would have laughed.'

With United boss Sir Alex Ferguson juggling a long injury list featuring wide players such as Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia and Nani, Bebe looks set to play more than anticipated in the coming weeks.

And Ferguson was happy with Bebe's performance in Turkey this week. 'He is lacking in fundamental coaching but he has raw talent,' said the United manager.

Cut above: Bebe confirmed the story that Ferguson had asked him to shave off his dreadlocks

Bebe revealed yesterday he has been learning English with the help of compatriot Nani since arriving in England in August, and confirmed the story that Ferguson had asked him to shave off his dreadlocks.

'He told me I had to learn English quickly and to go as fast as I could to the hairdresser and get my hair cut,' said Bebe. 'It was like a joke, but I think he maybe meant it, too.'

French striker Gabriel Obertan, also 21, scored his first goal for United on Tuesday.

Zweiz SG

bebe's boobs destroy society

si mi lan jiao????? SG

BEBE....real gem!!! legend in the making!!! the new eric cantona!!!!!

zocoss SG

The recent performance put in by Bebe on his Champions League debut, against Bursaspor, was reminiscent of the way 'Chicharito' has risen up the ranks at Manchester United.

Both players joined the club during the summer, and both have given credence to Sir Alex Ferguson’s recent comments that even Wayne Rooney would have to fight for his place in the squad when he returns from injury.

But the rise of ‘Chicharito’ masks the one important thing that proves how swiftly the Portuguese forward has upped his game.

Bebe played for a third division side in Portugal before making a £7 million move to United. Only, unlike his Mexican team-mate, his learning curve did not include a pre-season with the Old Trafford outfit.

With that in mind, Goal.com UK decided to look at the player’s lightning quick adaptability and rise in stature.

September 22: Debut against Scunthorpe United in the League Cup

16 minutes before time, Manchester United fans got their first glimpse of Bebe, as he came on for Park Ji-Sung after the Red Devils had a three-goal cushion.

The Portuguese hitman had to wait a while to get his first touch on the ball, but did not struggle to find his footing when he did have the ball at his feet. A fierce shot deflected away for a corner proved to be his contribution as Sir Alex Ferguson's men - although led by Mike Phelan on the night - ran out 5-1 winners against the Championship side.

October 2: Premier League debut against Sunderland

He replaced Anderson for the last 10 minutes of the goalless draw with the Black Cats, but didn’t have the time to make a significant impact on the game. He didn’t see too much of the ball, but the lively runs were a sign of things to come.

October 26: First start, first goal

The 20-year-old got a partially lucky goal in his first start for the club, in a League Cup tie against Wolves. His shot took a deflection from George Elokobi to end up over the line, but it was his darting runs and fleet-footed play that captivated the crowd on the day.

However, he was substituted with less than 10 minutes to go, as Javier Hernandez came on and stole the show by scoring a fantastic goal that proved to be the winner.

November 2: Champions League debut

Bebe made his first appearance on the European stage, and came on after a little over an hour as Darren Fletcher made way. The youngster latched onto a well disguised pass from Paul Scholes and scored with a single touch of the ball.

In essence, Bebe took two all too short appearances to get himself accustomed to the challenging environment, and picked himself up, sharpened his trade, and managed to score his first goal in his first start for the club.

The one against Bursaspor at the Ataturk Stadium only served to add further proof that the young 20-year-old forward is picking things up as he goes along. Opponents may shudder to think of what he can be in a couple of years.

Rooney9 SG

Bebe has already offered a glimpse of the talent that prompted one of the most remarkable transfers in the Reds' history, and in his first magazine interview with Inside United he has promised that there’s more to come.

The 20-year-old Portuguese attacker is humble but ambitious, determined to prove that he can complete his almost unimaginable rise to the top of the game.

"When United signed me it was because they believed in me – give me some time and I will provide goals for the club and show the Manchester United fans it was worthwhile signing me," he tells Inside United magazine, out now.

Bebe's incredible back-story starkly contrasts against his new-found fame. "I am a humble person. The streets I come from on the outskirts of Lisbon are very poor – I had nothing," he says. "But I am a good person and I want to show people that I can fight all the adversities I have had in my life. That's why I am here."

Inside United also features interviews with Bebe’s fellow summer signings Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling, discussing the trio's very different journeys to OT, and how their lives have changed on and off the pitch since.

Chicharito's goals and enthusiasm have already captured fans' imaginations, while Smalling's assured displays at the back bode well and Bebe has grabbed two goals in recent weeks. "It's really amazing how much my life has changed," says Hernandez. "I played a lot of games in Mexico, went to the World Cup and now I have this chance at United. It's unebelievable."

Rock^Star SG

his crossing was woeful last night but let's give him 2 years. After all, nani had 3 years. One thing I'm pretty sure of, his first touch is very good....can be seen against bursaspor and last night.