Return of Man Utd prodigals means no Van Persie

Manchester United's Federico Macheda (left) scores past Amazulu Football Club's Tapuwa Kapini during their pre-season friendly in Durban on Wednesday. (REUTERS)

Bebe (left) with Javier Hernandez and Anderson of Manchester United during a Manchester United training session in this May 27, 2011 file photo. (GETTY)

Published Sunday, July 22, 2012

By Staff

Forget Robin Van Persie. There are a few Manchester United young stars who are showing Sir Alex that there is more than enough firepower already in the ranks.

When the flurry of Latin American signings struck Old Trafford over the past few years, emails were being circulated among the faithful that spoke of one-touch moves that went like this: Anderson to Nani, Nani to Valencia, Valencia to Bebe, Bebe to Rooney, Rooney to Chicharito and goal.

It did not quite work out like that.

Anderson flattered to deceive.

Nani blew hot, then cold, and then just generally lukewarm.

And Bebe?

The Portuguese rags to riches kid suddenly was being talked about as Sir Alex Ferguson’s worst signing ever.

If Old Trafford really never gave Bebe a chance, the same cannot be said of Federico Macheda.

His turn and curling shot in injury time against Aston Villa is now part of Red Devil folklore.

At Manchester United since the age of 16, the Italian stallion has not been able to make that final leap in to the first team.

Sir Alex then did what he does to blood his young stars, or flop buys.

Both Bebe and Rico Macheda went off on loan.

In what could be ominous for some on the United bench, Nani in particular and Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, Bebe and Macheda were both in for United’s world tour.

Both have scored.

Substitute Bebe scored two minutes into stoppage time to salvage a 1-1 draw for Manchester United at Ajax Cape Town on Saturday in the second match of a pre-season world tour.

He managed to steal the headlines from United new signing Shinji Kagawa from Japan who made his first start for the Red Devils and despite many deft touches wasted a good second-half scoring chance.

United began their pre-season with a 1-0 win against Amazulu FC in Durban, thanks to Macheda.

Federico Macheda latched on to a through ball and finished with all the style and coolness that suggests, maybe, his time has come.

Only one thing matters at Old Trafford – titles.

Ask Dimitar Berbatov. Even 30-odd goals in a season guarantees you nothing.

If Bebe and Macheda are in the reckoning for United and can hit some good form, Sir Alex just may consider the team favourites to win the title back from Manchester City this season.