With the transfer window now closed and Manchester United news less abundant, Stretty Stories may now be posted less regularly. I’ll see if there is still enough news to keep posting as frequently, but as this is Stretty Stories’ first time outside of the transfer window it remains to be seen. With that said, we do have some United activity in the press today with Rio Ferdinand making his return to action with the Reserves yesterday, Vidic speaking of being handed the captain’s armband, and – my personal favorite – Bebe’s return to the homeless shelter.

Ferdinand steps up injury comeback – The Daily Telegraph

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said Rio Ferdinand is now available for selection to play against Everton after completing a successful 45 minutes in yesterday’s 2-1 Reserves victory over Oldham. The England skipper has been sidelined since picking up an injury while with England on World Cup duty, and now seems to be ready for an early comeback after being ruled out until the end of September. Anderson also appeared in the Reserves match yesterday, completing 60 minutes on his journey back to fitness. Meanwhile, Bebe was once again absence, but not due to poor form; United’s newest signing is on international duty with the Portugal U-21s.

Vidic relishing captain’s role – The Sun

With Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand both absent, Nemanja Vidic has been handed the captain’s armband. It seems the Serbian has now moved above Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra in the pecking order for skipper. Vidic won his first piece of silverware as captain in the Community Shield against Chelsea, and he his proud to be handed such responsibility. I assume with Rio nearing return he will be given the armband, but for now the job belongs to his defensive partner. Vidic showed true modesty by citing Neville, Giggs, Scholes, and Rio as true leaders in the team despite his wearing of the armband. With Neville and Rio both prone to long-spells on the sidelines, it’s good to have the armband in the hands of a guaranteed regular.

The incredible rise of a lost street kid – The Daily Mail

Bebe flew to Portugal this week to join up with his national team’s U-21 squad. Once he arrived, he immediately took a taxi to the homeless shelter he grew up in. There, he had a meal with the shelter’s director and his family. And then Bebe, a player who has just joined the world’s biggest club, spent the night at the shelter where he was raised. It was one last time for the Portuguese winger to be at the place he considers home before he starts his new life in Manchester. This summer, when Bebe was bought by Guimaraes of Portugal’s first division, he actually told the director he didn’t want to leave his home; but he was told he must leave and make something of his life. A few months later, Bebe now trains at Carrington with the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. We may still know very little of our newest signing and be eager to finally see him play, but one thing is already certain – he is a player with the utmost modesty and a heart of gold.

Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

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