Nani was sent off on 29 minutes by referee Peter Walton in a 1-1 draw away to Aston Villa.

The result means that Manchester United is now a point behind Premier League leaders Chelsea. Nani was shown a straight red card for a two-footed challenge on Stiliyan Petrov and will likely miss United’s next three matches.

With regard to the send off, Sir Alex Ferguson said “It’s a red card, Nani went in double-footed and he can’t do that. It was a naive tackle and the referee had no option”.

Ferguson went on to say “But Nani is not a malicious player”. “He has been doing so well for us and we’ll now miss him for the League Cup final”.

“He’s also missing two league games which is just as important.”

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Nani was the star in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Arsenal.  Nani created United’s first goal after 32 minutes when he manouvered between two defenders on the right touchline, avoided a third and knocked a cross to the far post which saw the Arsenal keeper knock it into the top of his own net.

Nani was then heavily involved in a length of the field counter attack that resulted in Wayne Rooney scoring his 100th Premier League goal.

Sir Alex Feguson said after the match, “Maturity is why we’re seeing the best of him now,”

“His last three games have been absolutely first class but today was his best.”

“He’s a very shy boy and maybe his personality is getting stronger to play for us every week. Today was an example of that maturity,”

Nani, received the Man of the Match award and he told Sky Sports: “We had a very good match last Wednesday and everyone was confident about this game. The manager said we had to take the same attitude into this game and if we want to be champions, we have to play to win every game”.

“Was that my best game ever in a United shirt? I think so, yeah. I played well, scored one goal, got one assist and had many chances to score. It was a fantastic performance and I’m so happy to have helped my team and won this game”.

“I’m working hard every day to be fit to play for the team and to be strong and play well. I’m very happy because I feel the confidence of my team-mates, the manager and the fans. I’m very happy and I want to keep up this good form”.

Confidence is a wonderful thing and as we have said all the way along, if given the opportunity and the appropriate amount of time on the field, Nani will show everyone why Sir Alex Ferguson brought him to Manchester United in the first place.

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Manchester United advanced to the final of the Carling Cup after winning won 4-3 on aggregate.
Nani had another strong game and once again attacked strongly down the right side particularly in the second half.

Even though Nani was substituted in the 89th minute, he has certainly shown enough in his last two appearances that he is starting to win over his knockers.
Nani has recently been reported as saying “My future is at Manchester United. I’ve heard all the rumours but my mission is to stay and help the club win more titles.  “I know what the coach expects from me and I’m trying to always offer my maximum level on the field.”

Manchester United play Arsenal on Sunday and I am sure Sir Alex Ferguson has been left with a selection dilema, however I feel that Nani has done enough to earn another start.

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Nani had his second league start for Manchester United in 2010 and he showed everyone just what he is capable of against Hull City today. Two assists for Wayne Rooney and there should have been more if Owen and Park took their chances.

This performance should not be a shock to those people that follow him closely.  His form has not been that bad.  He has had a long injury and when finally given an opportunity, he needed the game time to improve on his consistency and that is why he was a stand out today.  Decision making was spot on and passes were crisp and of course his crossing from the right was pin point. It is surprising what it does to your confidence when you get to start a game and not get dragged off and subbed in the later parts!

There will no doubt be plenty of debate as to whether Nani is better suited to the right or left of midfield.  I will not enter into that discussion other than to say we all saw what he did today on the right.  He can do the same thing on the left of midfield if given the opportunity and support and that is why he is a tremendous asset to any team.

Sir Alex Ferguson, its now over to you.  Nani has showed you what he can do, now its up to you to give him the opportunity and support.

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Nani started his first league game today for Manchester United since October.

Nani, came back into the starting eleven after a month out with ankle trouble.  He was obviously in need of the run, however he did cause trouble for Burnley’s defense on more than one occasion.  He continued to try throughout the 90 minutes and will be all the better for the hit out.  Nani showed a glimpse of his skill when he chest trapped a cross and hit an over head kick to the bottom of goal only to see Burnley’s keeper make the save.

Although his timing was lacking on occasion, we are hopeful that he will be given another opportunity to show the supporters what he is capable of against Manchester City on Tuesday in the Carling Cup.

It has obviously been a frustrating few months for Nani, however things are coming to a head and hopefully his future will be decided sooner rather than later.

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Sir Alex Ferguson has advised Nani that he has to take his chances when presented.  The United boss has told The Mirror that Nani still has a future with the club. “He is only 23. If someone came in for Nani in January we would tell him that he is going absolutely nowhere.”

Nani has made 85 appearances and scored 12 goals for Manchester United since Ferguson brought him to the club, however since Nani spoke out during the international break, he has not played a single minute of United’s three matches against Everton, Besiktas and Portsmouth.

Ferguson added: “He’s a young boy and he wants to play – and he might get a chance against Spurs in the Carling Cup this week.”

Lets hope Nani gets the opportunity he deserves and he can start playing the football that we all know he is capable of without the distraction and uncertainty of not knowing where his immediate playing future is.

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Cristiano Ronaldo was ruled out of the play-offs because of a severe ankle injury, however he will still be competing at the World Cup next year thanks to his fellow team-mates at Portugal and he is particularly grateful to Nani.

Nani put an emotional week behind him after he set up the goal that secured Portugal’s place in the World Cup finals.

Raul Meireles, the Porto striker, scored in the 56th minute last night when he scored after a cross from Nani. Nani had a very dominant game and looked like he had a point to prove. This past week has certainly been an emotional rollercoaster for Nani with plenty being reported about his comments regarding his current situation at Manchester United.

Well Nani, I really do hope you had a chance to relax a bit and now celebrate your 23rd Birthday. Nani turned 23 on the 17th November.

Happy Birthday

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