Sir Alex Ferguson hails Nani contribution

[Paul Brooks]

Sir Alex Ferguson hails Nani contribution

By Vicki Hodges
Last Updated: 9:20am GMT 13/12/2007

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed the impact made by summer signing Nani and has said he has a big future ahead of him at Old Trafford.

Nani was one of United's most effective performers in their 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma last night - a match that was marred by violence outside the Olympic Stadium.

The 21-year-old has had to bide his time on the sidelines since making his £17 million move from Sporting Lisbon as Ferguson aims to ease him into Premier League life gently.

However, if needs be, the United manager would not fear turning to Nani should injuries crop up with a busy schedule of games coming up.

"Nani is settling in very well at our club. When we brought him here, we told him he would not play all the time but we will get injuries as the season goes on" said Ferguson.

"But the times he has played, Nani has done well, particularly in the first-half (in Rome) when he was a big threat."

United came within 19 minutes of recording what would have been only their third win on Italian soil against Roma last night.

Nani had set up United's opener just past the half hour mark when Gerard Pique headed home the winger's corner but Brazilian Mancini scored Roma's equaliser in the second half to end United's 100 per cent record in the competition.

Ferguson said: "I am very satisfied with the overall performance, although I was a bit disappointed in the second-half because we gave away the ball too much."

Wayne Rooney was handed the captain's armband for last night's match but came off on 70 minutes with Ferguson having one eye on Sunday's showdown with Liverpool.

The England international was delighted to be given the honour and was pleased by the performance of the youngsters who were handed a run-out with United's place in the last 16 already assured.

Rooney, who is still only 22-years-old himself, said: "It's a great experience for them to get Champions League football under their belts.

"I'm sure it will have helped them a lot. Pique, Evans and Simmo did really well. They have great ability and bright futures ahead."

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