Manchester United appear to have found their replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portuguese regional leagues. That’s according to the Premier League website, who included former Brentford striker Betinho in the Red Devils’ squad list by mistake.
On Tuesday, Betinho, 29, could be seen listed as part of Manchester United‘s squad on the official website of the Premier League. It was a surreal error which quickly went viral in the Portuguese press and on social media.
Even United’s ‘new signing’ himself got in on the fun, sharing a screenshot of the mistaken listing on his Instagram account. He even included a message for his fellow Portuguese players at United.
“Thank you, Manchester United, see you soon,” wrote Betinho on Instagram.
“Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, it will be a pleasure to share the dressing room with you.”
Who is Betinho?
The Premier League website quickly rectified its error and Betinho’s Manchester United dream was short-lived. Instead, the striker will have to remain focused on his duties for Sporting Clube Espinho in the regionalised fifth tier of Portuguese football.
Betinho does have more than his nationality in common with Cristiano Ronaldo, however. The forward began his career at Sporting CP, where he came through the club’s famed academy.
Betinho was seen as a top prospect when he was emerging and represented Portugal at various levels up to U21s. After featuring regularly for Sporting’s B team, however, he struggled to make inroads into the first team and was sent out on various loan spells, including to Brentford, then in the English Championship.
More calls than on his birthday
The surprise ‘news’ of his rapid return to top-level football caused quite a stir among Betinho‘s family and friends. The players said he was inundated with calls and messages.
“I only knew it was true when my mates sent me messages and then I confirmed that it was indeed my name on the Premier League website,” Betinho told Portuguese paper Jornal de Notcias.
“I got more calls today than on my birthday!”