Bebe thought it was a joke when he heard about Manchester United move

Rayo Vallecano loanee Bebe thought it was a joke when he heard Manchester United was paying £7.4 million for his services in 2010.

The Portuguese managed just two senior appearances in four years for the Red Devils, however, and became a bit of a punchline himself among supporters of other clubs.

"It all happened very quickly, it was a surprise," Bebe told AS, according to ESPN FC. "One day I was training (in Portugal) and immediately they told me to leave, that I was going to sign a five-year contract. I didn't know if it was a joke. I was not there long, but I made the most of it.

"It was the dream of many kids - it seemed crazy. When I arrived there I was with the best players in the world. I found it a bit difficult; the first week I was breathing deeply. I got used to it, though."

He is beginning to answer his critics on a loan spell in La Liga from Benfica, with the 25-year-old starting nine games on the left of a three-man attacking midfield.

Related: VIDEO: Former Manchester United flop Bebe scores thunderous free-kick

He had only just turned 20 when he moved to the Stretford outfit, and lacked maturity, but believes it would be a different story if he was signed by a European giant now.

"I arrived there (at United) without much football education, with what I had - talent, pace, strength - but I was lacking many things," Bebe said. "If a big club signed me now, it would be different."