After Manucho’s memorable display for his native Angola in the 2008 Cup Of Africa Nations, Sir Alex Ferguson could breathe a sigh of relief. He would not have to battle it out with his Premier League counterparts for this young star’s services - he was already a Red.

Born Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncalves, Manucho, as he is known to his team-mates, signed a three-year deal with United after impressing during a three-week trial in December 2007. Before arriving at Old Trafford, the towering striker was the leading scorer in the Angolan top division - the Girabola - for the previous two

seasons, netting 16 goals in 2006/07 and 15 the season before.

His impressive form continued at international level and he played a starring role during Angola's Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January 2008. He opened the scoring in their first game against South Africa and struck another two goals in their 3-1 win over Senegal four days later. He also found the net in the 2-1 defeat to Egypt, firing a 30-yard screamer into the top-left corner. Although the result meant Angola were eliminated from the tournament, Manucho was named in the competition's overall best XI.

On his

return to Old Trafford, Manucho's United career was temporarily put on hold when Sir Alex opted to loan him out to Panathinaikos for the remainder of the 2007/08 season, whilst the club applied for a work permit.

The move to Greece proved to be a successful one for Manucho, who gained valuable first team experience in the Greek first division. He scored on his league debut in the 2–0 home win over Larissa and helped Panathinaikos finish the season in third place, handing them a play-off spot for the remaining European places. Manucho scored three goals in the six-game mini tournament

helping Panathinaikos top the play-off group to qualify for the second qualifying round of the 2008/09 Champions League.

Manucho’s application for a work permit was finally granted in August and the powerful striker is relishing his opportunity at Old Trafford. "I have been a fan of Manchester United since I was very young and have worked hard to make my dream reality."

Manucho’s playing style has been compared to an early Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and joining Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Fraizer Campbell, he will further strengthen United’s attacking options this season.