Nani 'must not be pressured'
Manuel Fernandes has played down comparisons between Nani and
Cristiano Ronaldo, but says the Reds' new signing has what it takes
to succeed at United.
The former Everton midfielder, a childhood friend of Nani, is keen
to ignore the similarities between the attributes and career paths
of the ex-Sporting Lisbon pair.
"Nani will be a great player," said Fernandes. "He is very strong
and that is why a team like United wanted him. But Nani isn't the
new Ronaldo. One is Ronaldo, the other is Nani.
"You cannot put both players in the same package. A lot of pressure
has been put onto Nani in comparisons with Ronaldo but he must be
left to do his own thing."
Ronaldo's scintillating form last season was an integral part of
United's title triumph and yielded countless individual awards, and
Fernandes makes no attempt to hide the admiration he holds for his
countryman.
"Of course, Cristiano inspires us all, everyone needs to look at
him because he is one of the best in the world," he said.
"I wouldn't say I was impressed with the way he handled himself
after the World Cup because I already knew all about his mental
strength. That has helped him become the player he is now so I am
not surprised.
"He has always been like that - not only physically strong, but
mentally strong too. I believe Nani has these qualities and only
time will tell."
