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Who needs Ronaldo when Nani plays like that?

Has Alex Ferguson got lucky or did he see something in Nani that nobody else could?
The Scot has always stood by the Manchester United winger despite his extremely unfavorable comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo and on Sunday against Arsenal all the pieces appeared to fall into place for a player who has flattered to deceive.
Nani’s bamboozling dribble was too much for Arsenal defence as United went in front at The Emirates. The Portuguese then displayed perfect timing and weight of pass to slide the ball though for the marauding Wayne Rooney that effectively settled the game as they went on to win 3-1.
Rooney has been incredible this season, carrying United when they have not played well. But Nani’s contribution as the spark around the solid midfield platform of Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes could be just the injection of firepower that will carry United to a 19th league title.
Nani will never score the goals that Ronaldo managed at Old Trafford but his performances in recent weeks suggest that he finally believes that he belongs in a United shirt. The way he tied Gael Clichy, one of the best fullbacks in Europe, in knots on Sunday bodes well for United.
Nani was eventually replaced by Dimitar Berbatov with a minute to go at Arsenal and received the acclaim of the visiting fans who may just have witnessed the coming of age of another Old Trafford hero.
PHOTO: Manchester United’s Nani celebrates after scoring a goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London January 31, 2010. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

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Let us not get too excited because he played well for three games. He lacks the killer touch in front of goal and could have scored 2 goals on Sunday. Jury is still out.
Agree with maweb. Nani is very big in his own eyes, as his recent rant against Ferguson showed in no uncertain terms. But unlike Ronaldo he has delivered preciously little so far, because he is an inconsistent performer. So let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
the last 3 games are only the beginning of what is to come. nani will be as good as, if not, even better than ronaldo. a more powerful shot, more skills and a far better hair cut means he will do far better than ronaldo in years to come.
with him on form united will stroll to winning the league
Who needs ronaldo when nani plays like that!!!!
MAN U need Ronaldo when nani decides to go back into hiding for the other 30 + games in a season.
tell you one thing Nani is no danny butterfield lol
skalliwag148
u must still be amazed from danny Butterfield hat trick!!
NANI HAIRCUT!!! WTF!!! its rubbish!
skalliwag148
you are on crack!!!
nani haircut is ribbish!!!!!
Some good points there…the real test will be how Nani performs in the coming weeks and whether he can sustain his level. He doesn’t have the same ego as Ronaldo and nowhere near the same aura but he works harder the prancing Ronny and I have a hunch he will turn into a top player for United….
rubbish*
yeahh
Point taken. However is he as clinical?
One match does not replace a super star.
Given the choice I’m sure most would go for Ronaldo.
http://jonnyontheball.blogspot.com/
What does “flatter to deceive” means?
leave maboy alone watch now is in everyday ! he is so exceptional one of the best Mr Nani
*mean
without ronaldo entertainment in football become less and so far as nani is coping the styl of ronaldo i will then say he can not be compel to ronaldo and for that matter ronaldo is a senior most player.