Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United
have appointed two full-time scouts in Brazil to keep tabs on the
latest Samba stars. Ferguson already has four young Brazilians on
his books, with twins Rafael and Fabio Da Silva, plus Rodrigo
Possebon joining Anderson in the Old Trafford first-team squad this
season.
Now reports have emerged linking United with the 'new
Ronaldinho', 18-year-old midfielder Douglas Costa, who is earning
rave reviews at Gremio. And while Ferguson is refusing to comment
on that specific speculation, it is no coincidence United are
starting to get linked with more Brazilians.
"We have invested in two full-time scouts in Brazil," said
Ferguson. "It is a country you should pay attention to.
Historically, it has always been a country that produces fantastic
footballers and players who can play in big games all the time.
"They have ability and enthusiasm."
While it may seem odd to cast the youth net so wide, Ferguson
feels he is only following a trend that brought Sir Bobby Charlton
down from the north-east in the 1950s and George Best across from
Northern Ireland a decade later.
"It goes in cycles," said Ferguson. "The north-east used to be a
great hunting ground for scouts for many years. "We had a spell in
1993. France had a great spell and are still producing some
fantastic young players. "Our scouts go to games and might get
seen. It doesn't mean we are signing anyone."