Mr. MUJAC

The ex-captain of the Brazilian U-17 side was the maiden product, of the partnership agreement etched between Manchester United and São Paulo. The Red Devils sealed the move in 2003, much to the teenager's surprise; "I was on the beach when I was asked to report to the club, because Manchester United wanted me," he revealed. "I thought it was a joke but I'm accustomed to the idea now," added the powerfully built youngster.

The English giants initially agreed to allow Rincón, to continue his development at the renowned São Paulo youth academy, for three years. Twelve months short of this expiration period, United retracted on its decision, in order to accelerate the player's switch to Sporting Lisbon - one of the its principal feeder clubs. "It is best to give him the push in his career," commented United's academy chief, Les Kershaw, after São Paulo was instructed to release him.

Rincón – whose contract with the Old Trafford outfit is due to expire in 2010 (a two-year extension option was included) – will be registered as a Sporting Lisbon player for the start of the 2005/06 season, and is keen on making a swift first-team breakthrough at the José Alvalade Stadium. Although he is capable of operating in a number of positions, including central defence and midfield, the position that he has occupied with most frequency during his amateur career, is the left wing-back one.

Although he is keen to make an impact in the Portuguese SuperLiga, it's in Northern England that Rincón sees his long-term future. "I really like the English language and have been learning it for some time now. I have watched Manchester United on television many times and have seen Silvestre, Ferdinand, Van Nistelrooy and others. It's a good team but I want to make the first team there as soon as possible."

Rincó was so nicknamed, because of a physical resemblance to Colombian legend Freddy Rincón – ironically, a former star of São Paulo's state rivals, Corinthians. Tall and muscular, the youngster's brawn serves him well, but equally eye-catching, is his explosive speed and unflagging raids down the left flank. His position as captain of the Seleção's under-17 side, was reflective of his inspirational personality and the respect that he commands amongst his team-mates.

There is no doubt that Rincó is one of Brazilian football's best regarded emerging talents, and many experts believe he will go all the way. If his own expectancies are anything to go by, then he has a big future in football. In a testament to his incredible self-belief, the 18-year-old already has designs on Roberto Carlos' place in the full Brazilian National Team! "I want to defend Brazil in the World Cup in Germany. If I don't go in 2006, I will make the squad in one of the next ones," he confidently predicted.

From "New Boys of Brazil" page of Futebol Website.......also a page and photo of Kerlon