New boy draws plaudit

In the relatively low key surroundings of Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park, Portuguese under-21 international Bebe made one of the most anticipated United debuts of recent years.

The 20-year-old was handed a 15-minute outing in the dying embers of the Reds' Carling Cup victory, and he demonstrated glimpses of the raw potential which prompted his remarkable capture, surging down the left flank and displaying a willingness to attack defenders and threaten the hosts' goal.

Assistant manager Mike Phelan took charge of the team in Sir Alex Ferguson's absence, and was more than happy with what he saw from the Reds' newest recruit.

"The scoreline gave us the opportunity to give Bebe a little look at what Manchester United's all about. I thought he responded very well," Phelan told MUTV. "There were fleeting moments of pace and power, and he got a little bit excited now and again. But it's important that players like him get these opportunities."

Having witnessed Bebe's first few weeks as a United player, from his first training session to his maiden appearance, defender Chris Smalling insists the Portuguese is rapidly acclimatising to life in the Reds' fold.

"Since he's come in, he's become sharper every day," said the defender. "He's really improving and working on his fitness. Tonight he really caused their full-back problems, coming in from the wing, and hopefully we'll see him produce that kind of form in many games to come."