Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Bebe will become a valuable member of the Manchester United line-up, despite the young forward having spent a large amount of time on loan from the club.

The Red Devils confirmed that the 22 year old will join Portuguese outfit Real Ave for his second loan spell away from Old Trafford, and with a plethora of strikers available to Ferguson, it would appear his days are very numbered to prove himself at the club.

But the manager insists that Bebe has a lot to offer, and the reason behind the loan spell is simply because he wants him to get better experience than when the United reserve team can offer.

"We feel the boy has got to get good experience at a better level than our reserve team," Ferguson told the United website.

"He's gone to Real Ave who are fifth in the Portuguese league at the moment - they have a young coach [Nuno] who has a very good reputation.

Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson still sees potential in Bebe.

"Bebe has done quite well in the last two or three months. He got a cruciate knee injury when he was on loan in Turkey last season and that derailed him for a bit. Coming back from these injuries takes time but he's started to develop quite well.

"Hopefully his spell in Portugal, where he is from anyway, could help him."

United have continually insisted that they won't get involved in the transfer market, but the side will no doubt be looking to send youngsters on loan to get more team experience, and with Bebe yet to show his worth for United, Ferguson doesn't appear to have given up on him just yet.