Nani continues his good run of form with two assists
It’s not yet a case of ‘Cristiano who?’ but Nani has finally started to justify his hefty price tag, in his third season at Manchester United. Today he got two assists, and had a hand in another goal. As the Chalkboard shows, Nani’s crossing from wide positions on the left-hand side is not the best, but he is very effective at beating his full-back, coming inside and providing more accurate passes.
That was the case for United’s final two goals today, with the Bolton defence visibly tired from Nani’s constant runs.
He also played a part in United’s first goal – his pass to Giggs on the left-hand side in the 38th minute was a clever, over-the-shoulder flick that led to Giggs’ cross being diverted into the United net by J’Lloyd Samuel.
With United’s tendency to attack down the right-hand side, Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased he can also rely on good service from the left.
Nani continues his good run of form with two assists
He has also developed his positional sense defensive wise and he made some very good tackles today.
He has always had it, but I think it was hard being the other portuguese winger on the team. I think he really suffered from ronaldo being such a superstar. Now he has become his own player and has been given a vote of confidence from SAF, and since then he has been playing fantastic football.
I don’t think his crossing’s all that bad actually, he just didn’t have much to aim for today with Berbatov on his own in the centre.
If you are a winger in Utd., or any team for that matter these days, it is absolutely necessary to be able to do the defensive work diligently (unless the player is crazy good). You can keep trying offensive attacks over and over, but it would be criminal to concede because of lack of defensive support. SAF is starting to have more faith in Nani because of his willingness to track back all the way till his own goal line. He would rarely do that in the past seasons. I was watching the game yesterday (and some past games) and couldn’t help but smile at the new-born responsibility from a player who was always very selfish to play in a team like United.
i can’t see nani ever been consistent enough for united, he is very talented but i doubt he has the correct mentality. i would choose park ahead of nani everytime (if there ever had to be such a decision to make).
Nani saved himself, just like Malouda has done. Players sometimes just suddenly struck by lightning and become invincible.
An excellent comparison. Both players performed incredibly poorly before this season. I was really surprised by how poor Malouda was given that the few times I watched France play it was always Malouda who caught the eye and not Ribery. Nani, at least, showed flashes of talent prior to this season.
I also agree that Ronaldo leaving has helped Nani. In fact, despite United’s season looking likely to end trophyless, I’d still argue letting Ronaldo go was good business because they got a lot of money for him and it’s made both Rooney and Nani better players. Personally I feel they miss Tevez more, as he’s the only other player who can do what Rooney does.
United have looked a striker short all season. They need to buy another in the summer.