Fergie tips Nani to shine

United boss hopes for more maturity from winger

By James Dall   Last updated: 11th August 2008

Football Champions League Manchester United Lyon Nani

Nani: Tipped to shine

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful winger Nani's 'outstanding talent' will come to the fore this season.

Nani demonstrated flashes of quality in his debut campaign for United after signing from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

However, the 21-year-old struggled for consistency, while he received a red card for a head-butt on West Ham United's Lucas Neill in the penultimate Premier League game of the season.

But Ferguson is expecting the Portugal international, who started against Portsmouth in the Community Shield win on Sunday, to show more maturity in his second term at Old Trafford.

Development

"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," said Ferguson.

"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.

"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."