Two days ago Luis Nani was the architect of a 2-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra scoring both goals. A lot can be said of the man who was supposed to be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo, but Nani, who is as brilliant as he is erratic, is a source for division among many United fans. Mercurial winger Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, better known as Nani, was an exciting young prospect when he was brought in from Sporting Lisbon in 2007. Cut from the same cloth as Cristiano Ronaldo, the pacey winger was left with huge shoes to fill after his compatriot's departure to Real Madrid in 2009. Nani developed into a cornerstone player in the United squad following his breakthrough in the 2010/2011 season. The season saw the winger score 9 goals and pick up 14 assists as well as United's players player of the year award.
Last season however, was a completely different story. Relegated to a peripheral role, the player rarely featured in the starting eleven. He was also the focus of Sir Alex Ferguson's ire following United's 5-4 elimination by Chelsea in the Capital One cup in which Sir Alex blamed Nani for the defeat. Then there is his infamous red card against Real Madrid in the second leg home tie. Nani was controversially sent off after a high foot challenge on Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa. The decision ultimately cost United dearly as they went on to lose the match 1-2 and were eliminated from the Champions League.
To some he will always be the selfish showboater who is more concerned with individual accolades than the team, to others he is the source of explosive creativity and a key player who can turn a match on its head when you least expect it. Following the return of Wilfried Zaha from his loan to Crystal Palace, few know what the future can bring for the former star. However, there must be a reason why he hasn't been sold yet. With the arrival of new manager David Moyes perhaps Nani can impress and cement his spot in the starting eleven.
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