He’s a match-winner! Ferguson wants to keep Nani at Man United

Sir Alex Ferguson insists that Manchester United want to keep Nani despite reports the winger could leave Old Trafford in the summer.

The Portugal international inspired the Red Devils to a 2-1 victory over Reading in the FA Cup on Monday after coming off the bench to score his fourth goal of the season before teeing up Javier Hernández.

The 26-year-old’s current United deal is set to expire at the end of the 2013-14 campaign and the Red Devils boss wants Nani to pen a new deal at the 19-time English champions despite the midfielder’s mixed form.

“We want to keep him, there’s no doubt about that,” said the Manchester United boss.

“He’s capable of scoring incredible goals. His goal against Everton, when he dinked the keeper after playing a couple of one-twos, was incredible. And the goal against Tottenham the year before, where he dinked the goalkeeper after playing a one-two, was another one.

“The boy has an incredible talent for winning matches. He’s one of the best match-winners in the game, and I include the whole of Europe in that.

“David Gill’s been speaking to his agent for quite a few weeks. It’s entirely up to the boy – he has a year and a half left. I think he wants guaranteed first-team football. He can guarantee himself that. Performances like the other night can guarantee that.

“We’re trying our best to keep him because he’s such a match-winner.”

Nani has scored 40 goals in 211 appearances for United after completing a reported €25.5m (£22m) move to the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in 2007.