U.S. soccer prodigy Freddy Adu signs for European side U.S. . Ghanian-born Manchester United hailed as saviour of Benfica soccer since age of 13 . Had been linked with bigger clubs including Manchester United , Real Madrid . The Lisbon club may be one of European football 's greatest names , but it is a long time -- just one Portuguese title in 13 years -- since they were one of the Europe 's great teams and Adu had previously been linked with the likes of Real Madrid , Inter Milan , Manchester United or Chelsea . Move to lesser club could help the 18-year-old adapt to Portuguese football .
U.S. soccer prodigy Freddy Adu signs for European side U.S. . Ghanian-born Manchester United hailed as saviour of Benfica soccer since age of 13 . Had been linked with bigger clubs including Manchester United , Real Madrid . Move to lesser club could help the 18-year-old adapt to Portuguese football .