The Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has claimed that former Manchester United flop Bebe will come good given time.
Described by some as Sir Alex Ferguson’s worst ever signing, Bebe was sold in the summer to Benfica, having made just seven appearances in four dismal seasons at Old Trafford.
Jesus insists that Bebe can follow in the footsteps of Nemanja Matic, who left Chelsea for Benfica in 2011, before returning in January for £21 million.
Jesus told Portuguese newspaper Record: “He was introduced to football late and he lost a lot of time in England. Tiago’s [Bebe’s] development will be equal to Talisca’s, Matic’s and Andre Gomes. They were all late bloomers.”
Bebe returned to his homeland after a successful loan spell at Pacos de Ferreira last season, where he scored 12 league goals.
Jesus added that Bebe’s time in England stunted his development.
By Joseph Richardson
