Bebe wants to emulate Ronaldo at Manchester United

Bebe has failed to break into the first team (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United new-boy Bebe has set himself the target of emulating fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo.

As Ronaldo ended up being crowned world footballer of the year during his time at Old Trafford, it is a fairly stiff test.

However, it could be argued Bebe has already won his biggest battle, dragging himself away from the streets to get picked up by one of the world's most glamorous clubs, so anything else is easy.

"To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player," said the 20-year-old.

"The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me.

"You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club.

"I want to become like then and I will work hard to become a top quality player."

Bebe became Ferguson's third summer signing last week when he joined in a £7million deal after United triggered a release clause in his contract with Vitoria Guimaraes.

It was a transfer full of remarkable footnotes, not least the fact Bebe used to play for a team organised by CAIS, the organisation responsible for Portugal's Homeless World Cup Team.

He then ended up joining United after spending only five weeks with Vitoria, having been highlighted by United's Portugal-based scout and gained a glowing recommendation from former United assistant manager and current Portugal national team boss Carlos Queiroz.

Bebe was virtually unknown 12 months ago as he turned out for Portugal third division team Estrela Amadora.

But with Real Madrid and a number of top clubs in Portugal starting to take a keen interest, Ferguson decided to make a move, even though he had never seen the striker play, even on video.

"On this occasion I didn't watch him," admitted the United boss. "It is the first time I have done it.

"Normally I see plenty of video footage but our scouting department is very good and sometimes you have to go on instinct.

"Our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly.

"You look at the material. You look at their age and whether they're bringing pace, balance, desire to play.

"You got to trust your staff at times, so I sent David Gill down there to do the deal."