The trouble with people is that they don't recognize potential ...

I guess even when I'm bamboozled by Sir Alex Ferguson's purchases, his track record for buying young players makes me pause before I start criticizing the buy.

GBP 7 million for Bebe who ? When Mesut Ozil was available and Rafael Van Der Vaart could be bought for GBP 8 million ? So no, the criticism is not for the purchase of Bebe as much as it is for not buying Mesut Ozil when he had the opportunity and, as SAF keeps reminding us, the funds.

So while not every purchase of a young player works out, some do. And in Cristiano Ronaldo's case, it worked out spectacularly. As SAF says, the trick is in recognizing potential. And the Man United coaching system is one of the best at bringing through young players with potential. The gestation period can be long, but the likes of Ronaldo and Nani have proven that the wait can be worthwhile.

And yes, Bebe has potential :