Manchester United's Portuguese signing of last summer, Nani, 21,
has drawn likely comparisons to compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
Both were schooled by Sporting CP; both endured similar journeys
within their first season; and whilst the latter lit up the Premier
League last season and drew plaudits from all pundits, the former
has the potential to do so.
Perhaps the part of his game that still needs tuning though is his
mentality. His accusations of disrespect from Arsenal, together
with his needless headbutt aimed at Lucas Neill and consequent
sending off against West Ham United in the penultimate league match
last season, are testament to that.
Sir Alex Ferguson is calling on his number 17 to not only step up
his game a level this coming season, but also to add a maturer
outlook too. Quoted in the Manchester Evening News, the
Red Devils boss said: "Nani has gone through the same process all
the young players do, and you are looking for that jump up in
performance level from the first season."
Speaking about areas of improvement, Ferguson added: "His maturity
should be better - which is important. He is still young, but when
he develops he will be an outstanding talent. He has courage and
speed, can play with both feet and does not melt in big
atmospheres."
Nani is suspended for the first two games of the season due to the
aforementioned red card.