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Phelan impressed by new boy

Image: Bebe: Responded well

Mike Phelan believes Bebe showed plenty of promise on his Manchester United debut against Scunthorpe.

Bebe earns praise for debut display

Mike Phelan believes Bebe showed plenty of promise on his Manchester United debut against Scunthorpe. Supporters have had to wait to get their first glimpse of Bebe following his arrival from Vitoria Guimaraes last month, with the Portuguese youngster needing to work on his fitness before he could be considered for selection. But he was named on the substitutes' bench for Wednesday's Carling Cup tie at Glanford Park and, with United on their way to a 5-2 victory, there was a chance for him to come on for the final 16 minutes. Assistant manager Phelan took charge of the team in Sir Alex Ferguson's absence, and was delighted with Bebe's contribution. "The scoreline gave us the opportunity to give Bebe a little look at what Manchester United's all about. I thought he responded very well," Phelan told MUTV. "There were fleeting moments of pace and power, and he got a little bit excited now and again. But it's important that players like him get these opportunities."

Improving

Chris Smalling has also been impressed by what he has seen from Bebe in training and feels he could take English football by storm. "Since he's come in, he's become sharper every day," said the defender, who scored against Scunthorpe. "He's really improving and working on his fitness. Tonight he really caused their full-back problems, coming in from the wing, and hopefully we'll see him produce that kind of form in many games to come."

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