New striker green light?

For those who of you Reds who have not yet bothered to tune into the African Cup of Nations, which kicked-off earlier this week, then you may well want to put that right because United's latest new signing Angolan striker Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncalves - more popularly known as Manucho, 24, is on duty. Onlooking United supporters will have enjoyed watching United's new striker as he scored against South Africa last night with a spectacular first-half headed goal after superb work by team-mate Flavio whose clever flicked cross found Manucho inside the South Africa penalty area, the finish was exemplary.



Manucho was signed from Angolan club Petro Athletic, United's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has been credited with discovering the African striker. However, the deal is subject to Manucho acquiring a work permit, the goal against South Africa will do his chances no harm at all and journalist Henry Winter suggested that the goal could signal the green light for the deal to be sealed.

Angola is a former Portuguese colony and so Manucho will have no problem conversing with United team-mates Anderson, Ronaldo, Nani and of course coach Carlos Queiroz.

The African striker arrived at Old Trafford earlier this month and after impressing on his three week trial Ferguson said: "He is a tall, agile, quick forward and through contacts that Carlos Queiroz has, was brought to our attention around six months ago."

Comparisons are being made with Chelsea's Didier Drogba who is on duty in the same competition playing for the Ivory Coast. It's a little early to speculate exactly how good Manucho can go on to be, but the early signs are encouraging. Against South Africa it wasn't just his goal which stood out, the United new boy showed a good touch and awareness around the goal. The United move could turn out to be a great piece of business by the Red Devils, until now Arsene Wenger has been the master of acquiring Africa's top talent for knock-down fees. United fans will be hoping that Ferguson and Queiroz have unearthed another diamond and ironically Angola is well a known source for producing the precious gem stones.

African Nations Cup fixtures:

Thursday, 24 January 2008
Ghana v Namibia, A, 19:30
Guinea v Morocco, A, 17:00

Friday, 25 January 2008
Ivory Coast v Benin, B, 17:00
Nigeria v Mali, B, 19:30

Saturday, 26 January 2008
Cameroon v Zambia, C, 17:00
Egypt v Sudan, C, 19:30

Sunday, 27 January 2008
Senegal v Angola, D, 17:00
Tunisia v South Africa, D, 19:30

Monday, 28 January 2008
Ghana v Morocco, A, 17:00
Guinea v Namibia, A, 17:00

Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Ivory Coast v Mali, B, 17:00
Nigeria v Benin, B, 17:00

Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Cameroon v Sudan, C, 17:00
Egypt v Zambia, C, 17:00

Thursday, 31 January 2008
Senegal v South Africa, D, 17:00
Tunisia v Angola, D, 17:00

Sunday, 03 February 2008
Winner Group A v Runner-up Gp B, Quarter Final,
Winner Group B v Runner-up Gp A, Quarter Final,

Monday, 04 February 2008
Winner Gp C v Runner-up Gp D, Quarter Final,
Winner Gp D v Runner-up Gp C, Quarter Final,

Thursday, 07 February 2008
Winner Q/F 1 v Winner Q/F 4, Semi-Final,
Winner Q/F 2 v Winner Q/F 3, Semi-Final,

Saturday, 09 February 2008
Loser SF1 v Loser SF2, 3rd and 4th Place Play-Offs,

Sunday, 10 February 2008
Winner SF1 v Winner SF2, Final