Nani may have to be patient to earn a regular starting place in
United's team according to former Red Jimmy Nicholl.
The 20-year-old Portuguese winger has made a big impact during
pre-season since signing from Sporting Lisbon. He has scored three
goals and displayed an impressive talent for running at defenders
with great speed.
Former United and Northern Ireland player Nicholl, who saw Nani at
first hand against Glentoran on Wednesday, says that while he
already appears to be an excellent addition to Sir Alex's squad, he
may not walk straight into the team.
For his goal against Glentoran he showed good skill and a great
finish, the keeper had absolutely no chance," he told Sky Sports.
But I dont know if hell go straight into the team. We saw what
happened with Cristiano Ronaldo when he first came over. I think
Sir Alex will bide his time with him and bring him in
gradually.
In saying that, he has shown that he will put himself about.
Everybody has to be prepared to put a shift in and hes certainly
not lazy."
But it isn't just United's big-name summer signings that have
impressed Nicholl. Beneath the surface there is a crop of young
players like Gerard Pique, Darron Gibson, Danny Simspon, Fraizer
Campbell and Lee Martin hoping for first-team opportunities.
The latter two youngsters also impressed Nicholl in the 125th
anniversary match in Belfast. The runs Campbell made show that he
is a clever player," he added. "He is very intelligent with his
movement and you can see that he knows the game and understands it.
He is certainly a bright one for the future.
Lee Martin also did well. The pleasing thing about him is that he
was back in the second half clearing off his own line. He showed
all the tricks further up the field but he was prepared to work
hard and defend, which was good to see."
The strength of the Reds squad has a lot of fans eagerly
anticipating the new season, and Nicholl is no different. "I hope
that Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea come good and challenge to make
it an interesting league," he said. "But United are the team to
beat, they really are. I cant wait for the start of the Premier
League."