Sir Alex Ferguson has lavished praise on Manchester United winger Nani, saying he has perhaps adapted to the Premier League quicker than Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
United were tipped to struggle by some following Ronaldo's departure to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, and Ferguson admits he is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' player.
However, the performances of Nani have helped to fill the void, especially this season when he has shown more maturity and consistency.
The 24-year-old scored his 10th goal of the campaign in last weekend's Manchester derby win at Old Trafford and Ferguson is expecting much more from the former Sporting Lisbon star.
"Ronaldo was exceptional,"reflected Ferguson."He is a one-in-a-lifetime player.
"But it did take him time to settle and develop in the English game. If anything, Nani has done it a bit quicker.
"I don't need to trumpet his improvement. He has been consistent all season.
"He is a match-winner who creates goals and he scores them. He had seven strikes against City and that is a high ratio for a winger, particularly in a big game.
"He is showing maturity now. Every time he gets near the box you think something is going to happen. When you get that, you have a great player."
Unexpected
Yet, as Ferguson pointed out at the time, Nani's latest effort, whilst exceptional in its own right, will never be recalled because of the brilliance of what followed.
Wayne Rooney's overhead kick was described by Ferguson after the match as possibly the greatest goal ever to have been scored at Old Trafford, and the United manager is still marvelling at the strike.
"It was the most unexpected goal ever,"he said.
"Nobody expected him to elevate himself in that fashion and deliver a shot with that ferocity.
"There have been plenty of overhead kicks over the years. We have almost forgotten about Dimitar Berbatov's against Liverpool earlier this season.
"But with Wayne's, it was the surprise of it."
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий