Nani: We need to boss midfield

Sir Alex on Nani

"Even Ronaldo took a few years to get maturity in his game. That's what we’re seeing with Nani now. His goal tally is fine, his assists count is high, he's progressing very well... he'll be sub against Benfica!"

22/11/2011 10:57, Report by Adam Bostock

Nani believes the contest for supremacy in Champions League Group C at Old Trafford tonight will be won and lost in midfield.

The Portuguese winger feels the department staffed by the likes of his countryman David Simao, Javi Garcia from neighbouring Spain and Argentina international Pablo Aimar is the strongest unit in the Benfica side.

“I think their strongest point is their midfield. If we are able to control the midfield, then I am sure we have a good chance to have a positive result,” said Nani at the pre-match press conference.

“I’m sure Benfica will play some good football but with a lot of care as well because they know they are playing away at our ground. We will do our best to get the positive result that we aim for.”

Nani admits that tonight’s match has special significance for him, as alumni of Sporting Lisbon – Benfica’s local rivals.

“When I played against Benfica for Sporting Lisbon, the games were like United against Manchester City. They were always tough games. My record is okay - I lost one game, won one game, drew another. Of course I used to enjoy it when we beat Benfica. I hope I can win again this time.”

source : Manutd

Papers: Vidic ban accepted

16/11/2011 09:45

Mark Ogden writes in The Telegraph...

United accept Vidic's European ban

Nemanja Vidic will miss Manchester United’s Champions League clash against Benfica next Tuesday following the club’s decision not to appeal against the defender’s two-match ban for a red card against Otelul Galati last month. Vidic was dismissed by German referee Felix Brych for a late challenge on Galati forward Gabriel Giurgiu during the 2-0 victory in Bucharest, prompting Uefa officials on duty at the game to confirm that the Serbian would receive an automatic one-match suspension as punishment. Uefa contacted United prior to the home fixture against Galati earlier this month, however, to inform the club that Vidic would instead be banned for two games as a result of the challenge. With Chris Smalling sidelined with a broken foot, Vidic’s absence against Benfica could prove costly if United suffer further defensive injury problems against Swansea City this weekend. Sir Alex Ferguson initially described Vidic’s dismissal as “very harsh”, before conceding: “I can understand the referee’s interpretation because German football is different to England.” United have therefore opted not to contest the decision when Uefa’s disciplinary review panel sits in Nyon on Thursday.

UEFA has announced Wayne Rooney's appeal against the three-match England ban which is threatening his Euro 2012 participation will be heard on 9 December.

England coach Fabio Capello praised Phil Jones' performance in midfield against Sweden. "I changed the system," the Italian said. "It was important to see Jones in the position where [Scott] Parker usually plays. It's different to the back four. He played really well."

Meanwhile, Nani, who scored a stunning goal in Portugal's 6-2 Euro 2012 qualifying play-off win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, is in "no doubt it was my best goal in the national team, there are no words to describe it. It was an excellent shot, a great goal."

source : Manutd

Papers: New deal for Nani?

15/11/2011 09:05'

Phil Thomas in The Sun writes..Nani's new deal to ward off Italy interest

Nani is to be given a mega pay-rise by Manchester United to see off interest from Italy. United plan to move the Portuguese winger, already on £90,000 a week, up to the next tier of their pay-scale alongside the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand on a reported £130,000 a week. Both Milan clubs and Juventus are showing interest in a summer raid. But United top brass have pencilled in talks with Nani's representatives for early in the New Year, when the 24-year-old has 18 months left on his contract. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson will resist any attempts to cash in on the £30million- rated star, who he signed from Sporting Lisbon for £18.5m in 2007. That is likely to mean an improved four-year deal. The Old Trafford chief is convinced Nani can develop along the same lines as Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Daily Mirror believe United and Liverpool face competition from Real Madrid and AC Milan in a race to sign Sao Paolo youngster Lucas.

The Hull Daily Mail report Nick Barmby's elevation to caretaker manager of Hull City, indicating that a move to appoint United Reserves boss Warren Joyce as Nigel Pearson's successor fell through. It is claimed that Joyce decided to remain at Old Trafford instead.

source : Manutd