African Cup of Nations 2013- Player to watch

Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncalves, or better known as Manucho, is a 29 year old striker who currently plays in La Liga for Real Valladolid and in 5 days time will be representing his country Angola in the African Cup of Nations 2013.

Manucho began his career in the Angolan league with Benfica de Luanda before moving to another Angolan team Petro Atletico where he really began to find his feet. Manucho scored 16 goals in the 2006/07 season and 15 goals during the 2007/08 season. His performances earned him a three week trial at Manchester United where Sir Alex Ferguson thought he did enough to earn himself a contract, he signed a three-year deal.

During the time spent in Manchester, Manucho managed only 16 minutes first team football after being plauged by injury and was sent out on loan to Panathinaikos followed by Hull City where he failed to impress. Ultimately Manucho was offloaded to Spanish side Real Valladolid where he still plays. Manucho has had loan spells in Turkey with Bucaspor and Manisapor but found his form when playing for Valladolid scoring 14 goals in 57 appearances.

Manucho might not be a prolific goal scorer by any means, but if Angola do get anywhere in this competition, Manucho will be at the heart of everything.

@TaylerWillson

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