Nani Needs to Produce

Nani will be under pressure to perform against Everton following a frustrating performance against Newcastle United.

Nani saw a lot of the ball during the 0-0 draw but he cut more of a figure which reminded the masses of the Nani of old. This was not the same player who has been compared with former United player Cristiano Ronaldo at times this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson would be quite within his rights to drop Nani for this match, especially as United have a difficult Champions League semi-final first leg away in Germany next week.

However, the Portuguese should be chomping at the bit to get back in the side and put things right as soon as possible. The attacking side of Nani’s football game is very good but where everyone can be critical, based on the other night, is his final ball. There were so many examples of situations where a simple laid off ball would have been better than a shot.

The one thing that is always going to keep Nani in the Manchester United side is that wow or excitement factor. No one can question the fact that he’s an extremely talented player with the ball at his feet and the opposition defence in front of him. His unpredictability at times is what can make him so dangerous and difficult to defend against.

Nani did well to bite his tongue at the rare set pieces United had during the game against Newcastle. There were a few free kicks in good positions and he stood over the ball along with Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs. He is very good at hitting free kicks on target and there is no doubt that he’ll give the ball a smash if he fancies it.

Nani’s performance against Newcastle in the Premier League was frustrating because everyone has come to expect better from him. It almost seemed like a step backwards because it was a very similar performance as to when he first joined the club; plenty of trickery but no end product.

He’s got everything necessary to put Everton to the sword during this match but it’s up to Ferguson whether he’s given the chance to put things right.