Bebe will join Portuguese side Rio Ave on loan this January, according to club president Antonio Silva Campos.

“He is one of the players who should be just hours away from joining, but there are still some details left to address,” he said. “His signing could be announced very shortly.”

Bebe has also confirmed the move but has cast doubt over whether his future will be at United.

“Ferguson advised me to leave so I could play and come back strong. Will I return at the end of the season? We’ll see at the time.”