Goalscorer Preview - Manchester United v Valencia: Nani

Nani’s pace and skill down the wings could be a little too hot for Valencia to handle during this Group C game.

Nani has often been criticised for his inconsistency ever since he joined Manchester United. However, he is turning into a better player and will be given a lot of responsibility during this match regardless of the formation played.

Nani is arguably the best player at United down either side of the pitch. His pace is crucial if the side is on the front foot and attacking with a 4-4-2 formation or on the back foot counter attacking with a 4-5-1 formation.

He has scored a total of nine goals so far this season, which includes one strike in the Champions League. This suggests he is less effective in Europe but his strike rate in European football has always been similar to his strike rate in domestic football.

Sir Alex Ferguson has asked the Portuguese winger to improve many aspects of his game. This includes his final ball into the box as well as his ability to bring other players into a match. He has a combined total of eight assists so far this season, which suggests his confidence in this area is increasing. This part of his game will be vital in the later stages of the competition.

Nani remains one of the best at the club cutting inside and taking shots at goal. He has a fierce drive from his right foot and is better than most at beating a defender to get in behind a defence and one on one with a goalkeeper.

The Portuguese is fresh after a rest due to the Premier League match against Blackpool being postponed due to poor weather. Nani should be given free license to become an agent of chaos against Valencia and is a terrific bet to score first at 8/1 and 13/5 to score at any time during the match.