Ferguson: United won’t sell Nani in January

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has assured that Portuguese winger Nani’s future is secure with the club and he expects him to stop moaning and make the best of any given opportunity.

The 23-year-old has once again struggled to make an impact in the first team this season and has spoken out about his frustration at being dropped for important games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

The £17million signing from Sporting Lisbon was hoping that the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid would give him an opportunity to emerge from the shadows, but Ferguson’s preference towards Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan has prompted claims that the 23-year-old is surplus to requirements leading to the speculation of his exit from Old Trafford.

However, Ferguson denied the sale of Nani and said, “Some big clubs have been mentioned for Nani, like Milan and Benfica, but there has been no contact made with us – and we wouldn’t entertain selling him anyway,”

“He is only 23. If someone came in for Nani in January we would tell him that he is going absolutely nowhere,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

The Scot also hinted that the Portuguese international could expect a start in midweek when the Red Devils take on Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup.

“He’s a young boy and he wants to play – and he might get a chance against Spurs in the Carling Cup this week,” explained Sir Alex.

“He has suffered because Valencia’s form has been excellent and because Obertan has emerged as an interesting player.”

The United boss also warned Nani that when he is handed an outing he must take his chance and said: “It is no criticism of Nani, but the way things have developed in the last few weeks have gone against him.

“I have spoken to him and told him that he must take his chance when it comes along.”