Now is the time for Nani to take it to the next level
August 12, 2008
With one season under his belt at United, Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting Nani to grow in stature as the season progresses. Much like many young foreign players, Nani had an indifferent first season in the Premiership last term. Injuries to United’s first team gave the young Portuguese winger a larger role to play than was probably expected as he notched up 40 appearances for the club last season.
On the better days, Nani demonstrated brilliance which led to many comparisons to his fellow compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo – high praise indeed given the progression Ronaldo has made in his five years at United. On other days however, we saw show boating, diving, petulance and aggression; all factors Ferguson would like to see eradicated from his game.
As Nani enters into his second season with the Red Devils, Ferguson is hoping to see an improvement in all areas and if the Charity Shield on Sunday is anything to go by, the winger is certainly on the right path. There we a few moments when the winger went over under what seemed minimal contact but his overall game was pretty impressive. Anyone who can repeatedly jinx past Sol Campbell at what looked like second gear is surely already a great player? And that is exactly what Nani did.
Speaking of Nani’s progression, Ferguson said: ‘Nani has gone through the same process as all the young players and you are looking for that jump up in performance level from the first season. His maturity should be better as well, which is important. He is a very young (20). That immaturity showed itself against West Ham at the end of the season. That has cost us because he is missing for the first two games.”
He continued, “but when he develops that he will be an outstanding talent. He has courage and speed, can play with both feet and does not melt in big atmospheres.”
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