Manucho looks to the future

Manucho: Future's bright

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On-loan Manchester United striker Manucho is looking to the future as he prepares to join up with his new Panathinaikos team-mates in Greece.

The Red Devils have loaned the star out until June after he failed to get a work permit as he has not featured in 75 per cent of Angola's matches over the last two years.

But the future is looking bright for the player following his exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored four goals in as many games to help unfancied Angola make it to the quarter-finals before losing to eventual winners Egypt.

Looking forward to working in Greece, Manucho, who is yet to play for his new side, said: "I just want to meet my new colleagues and technical staff and win their support so I can work as well as they want me to.

Very well

"Our coach [Jose Peseiro] speaks Portuguese and this may be very helpful for me."

Speaking of his Africa Cup of Nations experience, he added: "It happened as I expected - to score one goal per game. My team-mates supported me well and I have to thank them.

"I believe things could have been even better if we progressed to the semi-final."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants Manucho to play for the English champions next season.

So well

Speaking in Johannesburg during the launch of his team's proposed tour to South Africa in July, Ferguson said: "Given that he played for Angola and did so well at the African Nations Cup, we will re-apply for his work permit in the summer and hopefully next year he could play for us."

Manucho could not hide his delight at Ferguson's words of support.

He said: "It is a pleasure hearing all these praises and interest from someone as experienced as Alex Ferguson.

"If things turn out favourably, I will do my best to score as many as I can and hopefully not disappoint anyone."