Manucho gets Manchester United work permit

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United have received a work permit for Angola striker Manucho, who joined the club last year.

Manucho signed for United last December but joined Panathinaikos on loan for the remainder of the 2007-08 season while he awaited clearance.

The 25-year-old's availability further increases manager Sir Alex Ferguson's forward options following the signing of Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham.

United chief executive David Gill told MUTV: "We couldn't get a work permit for him straight away, but when we looked at the rules and regulations we found that he actually qualified for one automatically. We're delighted to have him.

"He's 25 years old and has got a lot of great attributes. You only need to look at the goals he scored at the African Nations Cup to see that and I think he brings something different to the team.

"He's got a little injury at the moment, but we're looking forward to him getting fit and showing us what he can do. He's a great prospect."