Manchester United’s visit to the Estádio da Luz is obviously getting big coverage from the Portuguese press, who are writing every possible story about the clash.
There aren’t many footballers who have played for both Benfica and Man United, so Jornal de Notícias managed to make an interview with Evandro Brandão, who spent a couple of years at the academy of both clubs.
The Angolan winger arrived in England at the age of 11, and had spells at Blackburn Rovers and Walsall before joining the Red Devils.
He signed for Manchester United in 2007, at the age of 15, and stayed at the club for two years, which were undoubtedly the Red Devils’ greatest seasons in the past decade.
“Those were fabulous times. What I expected to happen didn’t, but I’ve already gone past it and I continue to have my goals.
“When I got to the academy, I met Sir Alex Ferguson and we exchanged a few words. He already knew who I was, my characteristics, and he greeted me by my name. One employee told me that he did that to everyone, and that impressed me.”
Since his spell at Manchester United, Brandão has played for 14 other clubs, and signed for Leixões this summer, who’s currently in Portugal’s second division.
“I’m at Leixões, a special and historical club, and I believe the best is yet to come. Playing at the Luz or Old Trafford would be a dream.”
“Having worn these shirts makes me proud. These are huge clubs that helped me grow.”
But the 26-year-old now refuses to pick a club to support this Wednesday: “I’m not going to cheer for anyone, let the best win. Manchester United of Jose Mourinho are very strong, but it’s in these meetings that players transcend and Benfica have a chance here to get around a bad moment.”
