Former Man Utd star Bebe scores sensational 40-yard free-kick for Cape Verde at Africa Cup of Nations

Bebe opened the scoring on Friday in stunning fashion (Picture: Getty)

Former Manchester United misfit Bebe has provided one of the moments of the Africa Cup of Nations after scoring a stunning 40-yard free-kick.

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Representing Cape Verde, the 33-year-old unleashed a rocket to give his side the lead in the first-half of their group clash against Mozambique on Friday afternoon.

His powerful effort somehow beat Hernani Siluane in the Mozambique goal, sparking wild celebrations from Bebe and his teammates who are now on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

Bebe was also part of the Cape Verde side that shocked Ghana in their group opener, securing a 2-1 win.

In a group also containing Egypt, they are now within touching distance of reaching the round of 16.

Bebe joined United in 2010 in a bizarre transfer, brought to the club despite Sir Alex Ferguson having never watched him play.

He made a total of seven appearances for United, scoring two goals in a League Cup victory over Wolves and a Champions League win over Bursaspor.

The forward left Old Trafford in 2014 after loan spells with Besiktas, Rio Ave and Pacos de Ferreira and has since enjoyed a respectable career in Spain, currently playing for Rayo Vallecano.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Bebe revealed he used to do ‘crazy things’ during his time in Manchester, including frequently flying back to Portugal on his days off.

‘If I knew then what I know now, I’d have been [at United] for many more years,’ he said.

‘I’d sleep more. I wouldn’t do so many crazy things. When I had a day off, I used to take a plane to Portugal. … [Today] I’d look after myself more as a professional, look after my body, focus on football. I was there [at United], but in my head, I was on holiday with my friends.

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‘But I don’t regret it. You have to think, I went from having nothing, in an orphanage, to a place with the biggest stars in the world. They were the best team around at that moment.

‘I think it’s normal that a 20-year-old kid gets a bit lost. I didn’t have a father. I didn’t have my mother or my grandmother to say ‘No, don’t do that.’ It was me, and I did whatever I wanted.

‘Wherever I went, I was treated like a king. People gave me things. I could buy whatever I wanted. So I felt like a king… A father can tell you ‘You can’t do that’ or punish you. You need that sometimes. If I’d been living with my grandmother [in Manchester], it might have been different.’

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