Manchester United confirm Bebe loan move to Rio Ave

04/01/2013 5:35:00 AM

The Portuguese striker is sent out by Sir Alex Ferguson to gain regular first-team football in his home country after failing to force his way into squad at Old Trafford

Manchester United have confirmed Bebe has moved to Portuguese club Rio Ave on loan until the end of June.

The 22-year-old has played seven times for the Red Devils and has found the net twice since joining the club August 2010 for a fee in the region of €8.6 million.

However, he has struggled to hold down a regular place in Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team due to the stiff competition amongst the United attack which inlcudes Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

The Scot feels the loan move will give Bebe a chance to play regular football for something which he cannot get at Old Trafford and believes the move will give him the opportunity to progress as a player.

He told the club's official website: “We feel the boy has got to get good experience at a better level than our reserve team.

“He’s gone to Rio Ave who are fifth in the Portuguese league at the moment – they have a young coach [Nuno] who has a very good reputation.

“Bebe has done quite well in the last two or three months. He got a cruciate knee injury when he was on loan in Turkey last season and that derailed him for a bit. Coming back from these injuries takes time but he’s started to develop quite well.

"Hopefully his spell in Portugal, where he is from anyway, could help him.”

Inside Goal.Com

BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
The top-30 EAFF clubs: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Goal Asia will list its top-30 EAFF clubs, featuring the heavyweights of Japan, China, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. This time, it is Sanfrecce Hiroshima who are the focus
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
In Off the Post Podcast: Merrick makes return
The team from Goal Australia and Sportal take you through all the big news in football, including Ernie Merrick's A-League return and the forthcoming Champions League final
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel