Portuguese winger Bebe is back on track at Besiktas- but could his summer departure be imminent?
When Bebe was propelled from unknown youngster to £7 million signing at Old Trafford, his speedy ascent was judged to be too quick even by his own manager.
Sir Alex Ferguson saw what the rest of us saw, that 21-year-old Bebe was not ready for such a huge challenge.
So he was sent out on loan to Besiktas this season, where he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury before he could even play a game for the Turkish side.
When we ran an article detailing he played his comeback game on March 26 there was a big interest from United fans, so we have decided to turn ‘Bebe watch’ into a fortnightly feature on HITC Sport, to keep supporters up to date with his progress.
So what is the latest?
Since playing 13 minutes off the bench in his comeback game for Besiktas, a 2-2 draw against Istanul Buyuksehir, he has gone onto make two further appearances as a substitute.
The following week he featured briefly, coming on as an 88th minute substitute in Besiktas 1-0 home defeat to Samsunspor.
Five days later on April 6, he featured for a little longer, getting 18 minutes in a 1-1 away draw with Karabukspor, but struggled to make an impact.
So he is getting there slowly, after a cruciate knee injury it is always difficult to go straight into playing regularly, so bit part minutes between now and the end of the season is probably the most sensible step, although he will be hoping for a start sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately they remain winless since his comeback, but have won just one in six in the league, but are clinging onto fourth spot, which would qualify them for a Championship play-off, so they have plenty to play for.
Besiktas play host to league leaders Galatasaray this weekend, a former foe of Manchester United, and as one of Turkish football’s most watched games, it would be a great time for Bebe to make an impression.
More long-term, there are reports today which allude to his summer sale.
Manchester United have been again linked with signing Benfica playmaker Nicolas Gaitan, but the twist this time is that United want to sweeten the deal by offering their bit-part players in part-exchange.
Two players mentioned are Federico Macheda and Bebe. This would actually be a good move for Bebe, if indeed United want to give up on him.
He has been described by some as a long-term project, only 21, but Sir Alex Ferguson may decide the best move for him is away from the Old Trafford spotlight.
A move back to his native Portugal may just be the perfect solution for him, and allow him to thrive and rebuild. Whether Benfica may also prove too big a club for him at this stage is also up for debate.
First thing’s first though, and that is to continue his rehabilitation, and with Besiktas still in the Turkish championship play-off positions, he could end the season as a league champion for the second season in a row.
You never know, he could even score a decisive winner and end up a hero. The challenge is there for him.
Should United give Bebe a second chance next season?
image: © Andrea Sartorati
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