Nani unfazed by bit-part role

Manchester United winger happy to wait for chance to shine

Portuguese winger Nani says he is happy to bide his time and wait for opportunities in the Manchester United first team.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a bright start to his career at Old Trafford following his summer move from Sporting, scoring two spectacular long-range goals and providing several assists in the opening months of the season.

However, Nani has seen opportunities limited recently, switching between a seat in the stands and a place on the substitutes’ bench, but the player insists he is confident he will have a part to play as the team challenge on three fronts in the upcoming months.

“It’s a long season so some of the players will get tired,” he said. “But we have a big squad and if we change one player it is not a problem because the players that come in do a good job.

“I am confident that, if I play, I can do well for the team. I have to wait for my opportunities and I knew that was the case when I joined. I don’t see it as a problem.

“I am new at this club and players like Ryan Giggs have played for United for many years. Giggs has a great history at this club. I just have to wait for my time to come and when it does I have to show that I can play well.

“I am OK and I feel settled at the club. I think I have improved a lot since I started. And as I get more games, more training and more time learning I will keep on improving as a player.”

Nani could be handed a start tonight as United take on Pedro Mendes’ Portsmouth at Old Trafford, before a tough weekend trip to play Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.