Ferguson praises Nani ahead of Benfica

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Nani’s contribution this season.

As his side prepare to welcome Benfica to Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, Ferguson praised Nani’s playmaking ability and his role in creating chances for United.

The Portuguese midfielder has four assists in the Premier League so far this season.

“I think he’s always had that potential,” Ferguson said.

“I think whenever someone comes to the club from abroad some take to it quickly, and some gradually grow into the club. I think Nani is one of those.”

“Even Christano (Ronaldo) took two or three years just to get the maturity in his game. That’s what we’re seeing in Nani now.”

If you look at the stats, his goals have been fine, but his assists are very high. So he’s progressing really well.”

Benfica share a historical tie with United. They were United’s opponents when the Red Devils won their first European Cup, the predecessor to the Champions League, at Wembley in 1968.

Nani also has added motivation to beat Benfica. He played for their great rivals Sporting for two seasons before joining United in 2007.

United and Benfica are tied at the top of group C on eight points, and a win for either team on Tuesday would put them in a strong position with one group game remaining.

“You hope you do finish top,” Ferguson said.

“You mentioned several big teams we would avoid, but the main thing is having the second leg back at Old Trafford. Which is a big advantage.”

“So it’s always been our aim to finish top. It’s not always been the case, we’ve finished second several times.”

“The quality of the teams at that stage doesn’t make a big difference, but it can make a little difference. I think the main advantage in my mind is to have the second leg at Old Trafford.”

Ferguson did not underestimate the ability of their Portuguese rivals.

“It’s a big game tomorrow, it’s a real European game considering the history of Benfica themselves.”

“We’ve had a number of great games in the past that I can remember. One that I remember is the game with them which we lost 2-1 in Portugal.”

“The performance in the first game I thought we did really well, possession-wise it was good, we deserved the result until the last 15 minutes when they threatened quite a bit.”