Nani has stolen a march on United's three other summer
imports.
But Reds' boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Carlos Tevez, Owen
Hargreaves and Anderson to catch up as the campaign moves on.
Portuguese winger Nani was the only newcomer who was able to play
on United's pre- season tour of the Far East and take part fully in
the champions' pre-season training programme. It has given the
20-year-old a head start.
"Any player who comes into the English game finds it difficult if
they haven't done a pre-season," said the United boss.
"If they miss the pre-season it is very difficult. The one who is
well ahead on fitness is Nani.
"He is looking much, much better."
Tevez returned to Carrington on Wednesday after playing for
Argentina in Australia and Fergie is now expecting the striker to
make more progress.
"Carlos missed our pre- season because of Copa America and the way
the transfer dragged on," Sir Alex added.
"Then unfortunately the way fixtures have panned out, we have not
had a lot of time to work on him. But the games are helping
him."
Anderson had a disappointing debut against Sunderland before being
taken off at half-time but Fergie believes the international break
came at a good time for the Brazilian.
"Anderson did not go away with Brazil so more work has been done
with him at Carrington. It will help him."
Ferguson wants Gary Neville, who has been injured since March, to
get minutes under his belt before promoting him back to first-team
status.
"He needs a couple of reserve games." added Fergie. "He did well in
a practice game."