Boss hopeful over Manucho

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Manucho’s fine form in the African Cup of Nations will facilitate a successful work permit application for the striker.

The 24-year-old’s move to Old Trafford is pending approval, and his haul of three goals in Angola’s opening two tournament matches will no doubt aid his cause.

“It just adds to the fact that we’ll get the work permit easier, I’m sure of that,” said Sir Alex. “He’s got a talent, the boy, there’s no question about that. It’ll be interesting to see how he does in the rest of the tournament.”

With the work permit application still to be approved and Angola seemingly set to progress into the quarter-finals, Sir Alex admits it is unlikely that Manucho will feature for United this season.

“It’ll be too late, really, by the time we get him back and get a permit,” he said. “We’ll probably farm him out somewhere else for the remainder of the season.”