Sir Alex Ferguson hails Nani’s improvement at Man United

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on Nani for the part he has played in the club’s Premier League title push this season.

The 22-year-old Portuguese winger currently boasts the most assists of all midfielders in the top flight this term and is steadily blossoming into a capable successor for Cristiano Ronaldo.

And Ferguson believes Nani has adapted to the rigours of the Premier League more speedily than his Portugal team-mate.

“Ronaldo was exceptional,” said 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.

The United manager added: “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.”

Nani joined United from Sporting Lisbon for around €25.5m in 2007 and has made 136 appearances, scoring 27 goals.