Peseiro wins race for Manucho thanks to Queiroz connection

Angolan striker admits interest from Portuguese clubs

New Angolan sensation Manucho Goncalves has been snapped up by Panathinaikos coach Jose Peseiro on a loan deal until the end of the season from Manchester United.

The 24-year-old, who scored four goals in as many games at the recent African Cup of Nations, revealed that Portuguese clubs were interested in his services but no deal could be brokered.

Manucho also added that the relationship between his new boss and United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz was a major factor in the deal.

Peseiro worked as Queiroz’s right-hand man during the latter’s season in charge of Real Madrid in 2003/04, and the strong Portuguese influence on the coaching staff at Panathinaikos is thought to have been a major factor in United’s decision to send Manucho to Greece rather than Portugal.

“There were Portuguese clubs that sounded Manchester out, but there was no agreement,” Manucho told Maisfutebol. “It’s a good opportunity for me. It’s a new experience, I’ll play games and it’ll be good.

“I know of Panathinaikos only what I’ve seen on television. They have a great manager, I had already heard of him. Carlos Queiroz told me that it was easy to work with Peseiro. This will be a continuation of the work I’ve been doing, then I will return to Manchester.

“The technical staff are all Portuguese and that will help the adaptation. I don’t yet know any of the players. Hopefully I’ll have a great championship these last four months and win the title. If God wants I’ll have the luck to be a champion.”