Luis Nani | 2013/14 Performances

[Adebesi]

This booing and confidence issue doesn´t make sense. As a Sporting fan and season ticket owner, i can tell you that the same thing happened when Nani played for us. Nani was a great player for us and most of the Sporting fans miss him now but i clearly remember him being one of the most booed players. I don´t think it affects him. What affects him is form and a decent run of games, manager trust and things going his way at the beginning of the match.

When Nani gets going, he was one of the best players in our history but since he is a winger and an avid dribbler, he is capable of infuriating even the most patient fan when things aren´t going his way. Nani´s decision making was also a problem at Sporting (he has evolved at United) although he was the player with the most assists. Fans notice his flaws instantly because he was always on the ball and trying to create something.

People were pleased when we did the 25 million deal, the problem is that we only noticed how good and influencial he was for us when he was gone and there was no one left as dangerous and productive to create. Sporting fans also had the same Love/hate relationship with Nani. I clearly remember the epic Nani threads on our forum. Same thing will happen if he moves to Juventus or any other club.

Its interesting what youre saying, I recognise some of these emotions myself, the frustration when he does the wrong thing - even if, over the course of a season, he racks up more assists than anyone else.

Thinking about the part in bold in particular, Ive always focused on the first of those three things in particular, but in isolation that doesnt explain what happened in the Madrid game a couple of years ago. He hadnt had a run of games so it seems like it must have been a big gamble on SAF's part to play him. I wonder if he didnt compensate for that by loading up on the one he could control, the second of your three factors. Even that is strange though because if SAF believed he could play like that if only he was secure in his manager's belief in him, why didnt SAF spend more time talking him up and stroking his ego so he played like that more often?

 

[Adebesi]

What? I'd say most Portugal fans would laugh at that comment. Ronaldo only scored one goal in the qualifiers and people like Arruda on here get pissed off by the idea that he single handedly got them to the world cup based purely on the Sweden games. IIRC, other than his goals against Holland and the Czech(I think?) in Euro 12, he wasn't great overall and was really poor against Spain, whereas most of Portugal voted Nani as their best overall performer in the tournament. Nani has always been one of Portugal's better players, even when in his worst form here. That's why he gets into the team.

Its hard to imagine that Portugal would be ranked 4th in the world if it wasnt for Ronaldo.

Its hard to believe they are ranked 4th in the world even with him to be honest.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Its hard to imagine that Portugal would be ranked 4th in the world if it wasnt for Ronaldo.

Its hard to believe they are ranked 4th in the world even with him to be honest.

Christ, had no idea they were fourth, that is mad, and true what you say, but FIFA rankings are a joke. What I'm disputing is the idea that Ronaldo 'carries' them. They've other good players too.

 

[buckooo1978]

never understood fans booing their own players

in any profession of any type - how could booing ever improve your performance.....can understand frustration but unnecessarily getting in someones back is not being a 'supporter'

 

[Sly]

I don't think he was your best player (I thought Coentrao and Moutinho were, at the time), I'm just going by what a well informed Portugese poster on here said, that he was voted it in something, that's all. I remember Ronaldo being pretty poor against Spain and missing a few chances, but maybe it'd need a rewatch.

Well everyone is entitled to their opinion and i respect Arruda´s opinion but the general opinion amongst our media was the one i told you. Regarding Ronaldo´s performance, i mantain that it wasn´t great but it wasn´t poor either. Some people have unrealistic expectations when it comes to Ronaldo and his performance was on par with the rest of our offensive players in a very defensive game with strict man marking. Cmon it was a big tournament semi final against the strongest team in europe or perhaps the world at the time. The 0-0 shows how hard it was and even spanish flair players also had a "quiet" game.

 

[Adebesi]

Christ, had no idea they were fourth, that is mad, and true what you say, but FIFA rankings are a joke. What I'm disputing is the idea that Ronaldo 'carries' them. They've other good players too.

Oh right, I didnt read what he was saying that way anyway, but I agree he doesnt carry them.

Just looked at those rankings and they are mental. Portugal isnt even the weirdest one. Switzerland 6th. England 10th. I have no idea how they work these things out.

 

[Sly]

Christ, had no idea they were fourth, that is mad, and true what you say, but FIFA rankings are a joke. What I'm disputing is the idea that Ronaldo 'carries' them. They've other good players too.

Agree. Ronaldo is influencial but he doesn´t carry us. Plenty of players are very good performers in our national team (Pepe, Coentrão, Moutinho, Nani). We are a very solid team when we play big competitions (forget the qualifying rounds).

 

[Sly]

Its hard to imagine that Portugal would be ranked 4th in the world if it wasnt for Ronaldo.

Its hard to believe they are ranked 4th in the world even with him to be honest.

Like i said in previous posts we are a very solid team. Since 2000 we have qualified to all the tournaments and did reasonably well considering our limitations. Although we are a small country we have produced multiple top players. It isn´t just Ronaldo you know although he is ofc the main figure.

 

[Adebesi]

Like i said in previous posts we are a very solid team. Since 2000 we have qualified to all the tournaments and did reasonably well considering our limitations. Although we are a small country we have produced multiple top players. It isn´t just Ronaldo you know although he is ofc the main figure.

Totally agree. You are a very good team, if you were in the top 10 I wouldnt bat an eyelid but 4th just seems a bit too high.

Itll be a shame when Ghana knock you out (he said optimistically).

 

[Sly]

Totally agree. You are a very good team, if you were in the top 10 I wouldnt bat an eyelid but 4th just seems a bit too high.

Itll be a shame when Ghana knock you out (he said optimistically).

Oh i agree. No one here takes the 4th place seriously though. We all know about the credibility of the fifa rankings.

Us and Ghana will make it

 

[Pogue Mahone]

This booing and confidence issue doesn´t make sense. As a Sporting fan and season ticket owner, i can tell you that the same thing happened when Nani played for us. Nani was a great player for us and most of the Sporting fans miss him now but i clearly remember him being one of the most booed players. I don´t think it affects him. What affects him is form and a decent run of games, manager trust and things going his way at the beginning of the match.

When Nani gets going, he was one of the best players in our history but since he is a winger and an avid dribbler, he is capable of infuriating even the most patient fan when things aren´t going his way. Nani´s decision making was also a problem at Sporting (he has evolved at United) although he was the player with the most assists. Fans notice his flaws instantly because he was always on the ball and trying to create something.

People were pleased when we did the 25 million deal, the problem is that we only noticed how good and influencial he was for us when he was gone and there was no one left as dangerous and productive to create. Sporting fans also had the same Love/hate relationship with Nani. I clearly remember the epic Nani threads on our forum. Same thing will happen if he moves to Juventus or any other club.

Interesting.

So the Sporting fans didn't take against him because Wayne Rooney shouted at him, then?

Glad that's cleared up...

 

[JunesBoy]

Its kinda funny when people go on about how inconsistent or rubbish his performances are coz I hardly notice.. Maybe am blinded by the expectations of something is about to happen when he is involve in the play, which in itself is a threat and if fans can't accept that...good for them but in actual fact his general contribution these past seasons gone unnoticed and have been underrated to a point rendered non existent. Things like drawing in fouls, diagonal runs into box, keeping possession in final third,etc are all parts of his game that havent gone missing or is it because he has to make that direct assist..? If you wanna talk about how useless he has been these past season rewatch games he has played look at all the goals that were scored and tell us how uninvolved he was..
He has been injured for the best part of last season and how can anyone in their right mind ever think of using it as a reference to his form..

I am not saying he can't be expected to contribute more but to do so, the manager will also have to increase his responsibilities like in the seasons when he had those high numbers.. It cannot all be about confidence or lack of games, more to do with our recent style of play not being favourable to his type of player..

 

[acnumber9]

I am not sure about that. The top 5 are Spain, Germany, Brazil, Portugal and Argentina. Even so that would only be conjecture on your part. The fact is Nani is the only Utd player starting for one of those teams.

All of Rooney, Van Persie, Mata and De Gea are good enough to start for more than one of those teams. All would start for Portugal. Nani happened to be born in the country with by far the weakest of those squads. It's completely irrelevant as to whether he should play for United or not. Fred plays up front for one of those teams.

 

[acnumber9]

The last post is pure fiction - he was booed because he was playing poorly and it was an absolute embarrassment. It might have been exacerbated by him walking off slowly but it started long before that, before he'd even been substituted after a couple of wasted chances. It wasn't a one off incident, as Young, Cleverley and Fellaini got the same treatment this season. It's always a minority with just as many calling those doing it cnuts but it's always audible.

I think it's a massive shame. Regardless of those players undoubtably playing poorly, The twats who do it can't seem to get it into their thick heads that it serves no purpose. It batters the confidence of a player already clearly struggling and only makes matters worse. Sure, you've payed your money and you're entitled to an opinion, but if you do it, be prepared to accept that everyone around you will think you're a complete cnut. It really, really winds me up.

It doesn't happen at United as much as other clubs, but it's inescapable with a big crowd that you'll inevitably get some utter tits. We've never had anything like what you see at other clubs, notably Arsenal where you have the majority crowd booing a player and thinking nothing of it. With us it's always a ridiculed minority, but it's not like it never happens. I've had my ST for 8 years and my old man has had his for over 20 and while it's rare it definitely happens. Obviously we've been privileged with the level of player we've had but there's always a couple, even the top players, that seem to get abuse. Giggs had it every now and then in the lull in the middle of his career, Berba had it a couple of times, Carrick likewise. Rooney and Rio got it but they were based on a contract disputes, pathetic nonetheless but at least vaguely understandable.

Most players get over it, particularly the top ones, and often make those that do it look stupid when they're cheering their names a few months later. But not all of them do and there's nothing more demoralising than working your balls off through a period of poor form and walking off to the sound off boos from your own fans. Pathetic on their part and embarrassing for the rest of us. This definitely isn't the first rant I've had over this so apologies, but it really does my nut in.

It's a fact. There was grumbles at his ridiculous shooting. The boos started when he acted a cock when brought off.

 

[NMF]

Despite playing very little in the 12/13 campaign and all our wide options were fit it was Nani who started in the biggest game of our season against Madrid.

 

[Brophs]

I like Nani a lot, but he gets stick because his decision making is pretty bizarre at times and he's very patchy form wise.

"Trying things" doesn't mean you're suddenly absolved from being able to play simple passes, or being able to see team mates in space. When he's good - like last night, when he was excellent - none of that's really an issue.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

I'd love Nani to get given a chance under Van Gaal because it's evident the talent is there. He's the type of player that can produce special moments in the blink of an eye. He just needs to be more consistent.

I can imagine he'd blossom under Van Gaal, where he likes his wingers to stay out wide and express themselves. Nani and Januzaj on the wings could be devastating.

 

[sullydnl]

Obviously fans shouldn't boo our own players or be unfairly critical, that should go without saying. Plus I love Nani's style of play when he's on top form anyway, so that's not a problem either really.

Having said that, I wonder how much longer Nani will be here before everyone accepts that he simply isn't near being a world class winger, or anything like it, and that he almost certainly never will be? Nani's big plus point is that our other wingers may actually be worse than him but, beyond that, why on earth would we prefer to keep a serial underachiever over the signing of a replacement who might actually have some hope of fulfilling their potential?

I remember last summer some people were genuinely saying we shouldn't go for the likes of Di Maria and Sanchez because Nani was actually as good as them. It amazes me that people could genuinely believe that despite watching him week in and week out for us. He's an ordinary winger by our standards and a very replaceable player.

As for the game yesterday, he was indeed excellent. It was hardly the most daunting challenge in the world though. If people are genuinely hoping this guy will dramatically step up next season then I fear you'll be disappointed.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Obviously fans shouldn't boo our own players or be unfairly critical, that should go without saying. Plus I love Nani's style of play when he's on top form anyway, so that's not a problem either really.

Having said that, I wonder how much longer Nani will be here before everyone accepts that he simply isn't near being a world class winger, or anything like it, and that he almost certainly never will be? Nani's big plus point is that our other wingers may actually be worse than him but, beyond that, why on earth would we prefer to keep a serial underachiever over the signing of a replacement who might actually have some hope of fulfilling their potential?

I remember last summer some people were genuinely saying we shouldn't go for the likes of Di Maria and Sanchez because Nani was actually as good as them. It amazes me that people could genuinely believe that despite watching him week in and week out for us. He's an ordinary winger by our standards and a very replaceable player.

As for the game yesterday, he was indeed excellent. It was hardly the most daunting challenge in the world though. If people are genuinely hoping this guy will dramatically step up next season then I fear you'll be disappointed.

I think the key thing you're forgetting here is that he was a world class winger for us (or however you define it, at least, one of the best in Europe) for a good 18 months or so, and that's why people haven't given up hope on him yet, because we know it's in him, somewhere. If it was the case where those 18 months never happened then I'm sure pretty much all of the Caf would be wanting rid - just like with Anderson.

 

[bosnian_red]

Despite playing very little in the 12/13 campaign and all our wide options were fit it was Nani who started in the biggest game of our season against Madrid.

Yup, it shows fergie believed in him, he just knew he usually needed a run of games to get form going and he never got a proper run of games because of the constant injuries. He's always been a big game player as well so it made sense to include him.

Hopefully LvG sees what he can do and gives him consistent games. Him on the left with Alexis Sanchez on the right would be devastating as the advanced winger roles we're likely to play, especially if we get a competent midfield who can pass the ball to them quickly.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I like Nani a lot, but he gets stick because his decision making is pretty bizarre at times and he's very patchy form wise.

"Trying things" doesn't mean you're suddenly absolved from being able to play simple passes, or being able to see team mates in space. When he's good - like last night, when he was excellent - none of that's really an issue.

He seem's 1 of those players that the crowd take an instant annoyance towards though, Rooney could make 5 misplaced passes or bad touches and only have a slight grumble, while if Nani does it once he get's booed out the ground. I suppose he has a history of it, but I wish they were a little more patient.

 

[Brophs]

Yup, it shows fergie believed in him, he just knew he usually needed a run of games to get form going and he never got a proper run of games because of the constant injuries. He's always been a big game player as well so it made sense to include him.

Hopefully LvG sees what he can do and gives him consistent games. Him on the left with Alexis Sanchez on the right would be devastating as the advanced winger roles we're likely to play, especially if we get a competent midfield who can pass the ball to them quickly.

I think that's a bit disingenuous. He certainly believed in him, but he also dropped him on a number of occasions when he'd been fit for a reasonable period. Other than a period of anywhere between 12-18 months, he hasn't made himself undroppable. Much like Kagawa, I tend to lay the blame for that more at his door than their various managers. Both clearly have the talent to be world class playerr for us.

 

[Brophs]

He seem's 1 of those players that the crowd take an instant annoyance towards though, Rooney could make 5 misplaced passes or bad touches and only have a slight grumble, while if Nani does it once he get's booed out the ground. I suppose he has a history of it, but I wish they were a little more patient.

I certainly think he's a player that needs to be loved. At times Rooney seems to thrive on negative reactions, whereas Nani seems to struggle with it, even though he always has the bravery to keep trying. Every player's different, I suppose.

 

[bosnian_red]

I think that's a bit disingenuous. He certainly believed in him, but he also dropped him on a number of occasions when he'd been fit for a reasonable period. Other than a period of anywhere between 12-18 months, he hasn't made himself undroppable. Much like Kagawa, I tend to lay the blame for that more at his door than their various managers. Both clearly have the talent to be world class playerr for us.

Well yeah obviously the blame lies at his feet. I think the problem with nani is that once he gets a chance in the side, he tries to do too much on his own, and so has some terrible decision making. It's like he thinks he'll get dropped unless he scores a goal or has a great game. He's not one to play it safe really. Add that into the constant injuries these last two years and it's not hard to think of why he's barely played. That was my thoughts with fergie though. Moyes I just think wasn't a fan of him regardless of the injuries, but moyes was moyes so his opinion doesn't mean shit.

Anyways, if nani can manage to stay clear of injuries, and van gaal puts some faith in him, he could be a huge boost to us next season. That's a big if though.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

By the way, just to balance my contributions to this thread today I'd like to go on record and say he was fan-fecking-tastic last night.

The first touch and left footed cross for their fourth was absolutely sensational. It's moments like that which can make United fans all giddy and start talking about him as one of the best wingers in the world because there's not many players in the world capable of producing that sort of moment.

 

[sullydnl]

I think the key thing you're forgetting here is that he was a world class winger for us (or however you define it, at least, one of the best in Europe) for a good 18 months or so, and that's why people haven't given up hope on him yet, because we know it's in him, somewhere. If it was the case where those 18 months never happened then I'm sure pretty much all of the Caf would be wanting rid - just like with Anderson.

I hadn't forgotten that spell but I do think it's overplayed somewhat. 18 months top form doesn't necessarily make someone a top player, particularly when they haven't come close to repeating it since.

Obviously Nani's a far better player than Anderson but they are comparable in that a) neither look like they will fulfill their massive potential and b) both have supporters who'll keep pointing to past glimpses of that potential until far past the point where they could/should have been sold.

Obviously Nani produced far more than Anderson ever did but should that 18 months be enough to keep him here at this stage if there are decent alternatives? I really don't think so.

 

[Sly]

All of Rooney, Van Persie, Mata and De Gea are good enough to start for more than one of those teams. All would start for Portugal. Nani happened to be born in the country with by far the weakest of those squads. It's completely irrelevant as to whether he should play for United or not. Fred plays up front for one of those teams.

To be fair almost any striker would start for our team I wouldn´t trade Patrício for De Gea but "forgive" me i´m just a Sporting fan

 

[ManUtd43vr]

@ManUtd43vr - gfycat support now installed.



Use the media embed from now on - you can use either the video or GIF URL.

Nice frickin goal that!

Thanks Niall!
Thank you @Damien!

 

[kidbob]

If he has a good World Cup and our medical team reckon he can stay clear of injuries we should be keeping him and shipping out Young and Valencia. Go hell for leather to sign Sanchez and we'd be in a great position from an attacking player view point.

 

[Massive Spanner]

By the way, just to balance my contributions to this thread today I'd like to go on record and say he was fan-fecking-tastic last night.

The first touch and left footed cross for their fourth was absolutely sensational. It's moments like that which can make United fans all giddy and start talking about him as one of the best wingers in the world because there's not many players in the world capable of producing that sort of moment.

His overall talent as a footballer far exceeds what we've seen from him here. Sometimes I'm baffled by how good he can be with the ball and other times I'm f*cking baffled as to how he manages to be so bad in spite of it!

I hadn't forgotten that spell but I do think it's overplayed somewhat. 18 months top form doesn't necessarily make someone a top player, particularly when they haven't come close to repeating it since.

Obviously Nani's a far better player than Anderson but they are comparable in that a) neither look like they will fulfill their massive potential and b) both have supporters who'll keep pointing to past glimpses of that potential until far past the point where they could/should have been sold.

Obviously Nani produced far more than Anderson ever did but should that 18 months be enough to keep him here at this stage if there are decent alternatives? I really don't think so.

I think I'm probably regarded as Nani's biggest and most vocal fan on the forum, and I personally wouldn't particularly care if he moved on at this stage. I've felt for a while that he's just not a "Utd player" (whatever that is) and needs to move on, I think that's been more evident than ever amongst all the booing and frustration from the fans. The problem is that he's so bursting with talent that it's still very possible he'll become a great player somewhere else (Juventus, for example), and we'll all be pissed off as a result, but it happens.

The last part, no, it shouldn't be enough, and if a Sanchez or Di Maria were ever a likely option, we shouldn't not get them because of him (has anyone really suggested this in the last 12 months, by the way?), but there are worse wingers in the team than Nani who I'd shift out first.

 

[Sly]

If you still haven´t decided to sell him, i think Van Gaal should give him a chance. Van Gaal with all his experience with flair players could have a good influence on Nani. His mentoring (if he is given a fresh start) would make him a better player since he is a World Class manager. If Paulo Bento can extract the very best from him, i´m sure Van Gaal can do the same.

 

[NMF]

Yup, it shows fergie believed in him, he just knew he usually needed a run of games to get form going and he never got a proper run of games because of the constant injuries. He's always been a big game player as well so it made sense to include him.

Hopefully LvG sees what he can do and gives him consistent games. Him on the left with Alexis Sanchez on the right would be devastating as the advanced winger roles we're likely to play, especially if we get a competent midfield who can pass the ball to them quickly.

That's all it takes for Nani as well.
Two games In which he bagged a goal and 2 assists.
It goes under the radar as well his often a consistent performer in big games.

The way Moyes used him last season was amateurish to say the least, after his performance against Stoke he didn't feature for almost a month not even an appearance of the bench and he was fit. After he scored against Leverkusen in a reasonably solid performance he was dropped for an unfit Welbeck who just returned from injury against Tottenham and Everton.

Unless Nani pushes for a move I'm expecting Van Gaal to use him.

 

[sullydnl]

has anyone really suggested this in the last 12 months, by the way?

Afraid so. This was back when it looked like Di Maria might be sold to make room for Bale and Isco, there were rumours around Sanchez as he didn't fit into the Barca set up and people were linking Nani to Juventus. A lot of posters said they'd prefer to just keep Nani as he offered as much as the others did, as well as being less of a diver than Di Maria. To be fair though they also didn't seem to think there was any real need to replace our other wingers either, this was at a time when everyone still thought we had the best squad in the league.

 

[bosnian_red]

That's all it takes for Nani as well.
Two games In which he bagged a goal and 2 assists.
It goes under the radar as well his often a consistent performer in big games.

The way Moyes used him last season was amateurish to say the least, after his performance against Stoke he didn't feature for almost a month not even an appearance of the bench and he was fit. After he scored against Leverkusen in a reasonably solid performance he was dropped for an unfit Welbeck who just returned from injury against Tottenham and Everton.

Unless Nani pushes for a move I'm expecting Van Gaal to use him.

Agree. The thing with Nani is that he's not past his best or anything. He should be in his prime, and he has all the attributes to be a fantastic winger. He's really fast, really strong, agile, an amazing dribbler, has a good cross on him, a good shot, a good passer and a good touch. The one thing that has lacked from him is his decision making which is never too late to fix, and even that between 2010-2012 he didn't have problems with. That only goes away once he's out of form, as does with all players. So logically you'd think if he can manage to stay fit and gets a run in the team then there's no reason to think that he won't start performing again. He still puts in excellent performances for Portugal so there's no reason that under Van Gaal and with an improved midfield at United that he won't rediscover that form for us. Here's hoping he can do it at least.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Afraid so. This was back when it looked like Di Maria might be sold to make room for Bale and Isco, there were rumours around Sanchez as he didn't fit into the Barca set up and people were linking Nani to Juventus. A lot of posters said they'd prefer to just keep Nani as he offered as much as the others did, as well as being less of a diver than Di Maria. To be fair though they also didn't seem to think there was any real need to replace our other wingers either, this was at a time when everyone still thought we had the best squad in the league.

I really don't think that's true, and even if it is, you're probably talking about a tiny portion of the Caf there. Two or three years ago when we were being linked with Sanchez, Hazard, Lucas Moura, people were saying it then, but back then Valencia and Nani were still really good players. Last summer? No chance.

 

[kidbob]

I guess the fact that Juve have been interested is a testament to the fact that the talent is certainly there, can't see them being interested in the others. The fact that Nani has produced big performances in England too shows it's not the style of the League that is the problem. What we are seeing in many ways is the deterioration of him as our system deteriorated over the years. Hell even Anderson and Cleverley are capable and have shown more than they have over the last 18 months. As has been said though they never showed consistency for more than 4/5 matches whereas we have all seen Nani produce for longer periods.

I have been a strong believer that the problem for him, Kagawa, Mata and even Rooney and RVP is that we can never get the top level performances consistently out of them unless a clear, cohesive system is put in place. In the last couple of years of Fergie's reign we were stale (it really showed in Europe) but we were fine in the Premier League because we were so used to doing well and SAF knew how to win it more than any other manager in the World. Thankfully LVG's strong point seems to be creating a cohesive system. Honestly as is stands our group of forward players is good enough to win the Champions League let alone the Premier League. People like with obvious ability like Nani and Kagawa deserve the chance to show themselves in a good system when we have seen them both excel in one previously (albeit Kagawa was at Dortmund).

It's a point that has been reiterated to the level of a joke but the fact is the only thing we have dire need for is a top level midfield who can give us a good platform to build from against any side. The last time we had this the performances of our front players was enough to make us one of the top sides in the World and Nani was one of our most dangerous components of that side. I have been a big critic of his (for example I believe Anderson was actually the more talented of the 2 when they came but that doesn't matter now) but I'd hate to see us sell him for a stupid price when it's within him to be one of the best wingers in Europe. No harm in waiting to see of LVG can get that level out of him, better here than at another club right now.

 

[sullydnl]

I really don't think that's true, and even if it is, you're probably talking about a tiny portion of the Caf there. Two or three years ago when we were being linked with Sanchez, Hazard, Lucas Moura, people were saying it then, but back then Valencia and Nani were still really good players. Last summer? No chance.

Oh yeah, it was definitely just a relatively small proportion of posters. That was my point, even at that stage there were hardcore Nani fans still convinced he was up at their level.

Random quotes from last summer when Di Maria was linked to us:

Spoiler

"If Nani goes, I'd take di María. They're similar, for me."

"I'd take Di Maria, but that hinges on what happens with Nani. I'd prefer if we kept Nani instead, but If Nani goes I'd want us to buy another winger. If he stays, there's no need for Di Maria."

"Do. Not. Want."

"Far too hit and miss, we'd be better served just keeping hold of Nani. At least with a run of games you know he could recapture his best form, at which point i think he's better than Di Maria."

"Agreed. I think most United fans agree that there aren't many options out there that can replace Nani, especially not if you take price into the equation."

"He is a bit like Nani from what I have seen."

"He's pretty much Nani but a bit taller, and dives and cheats more."

"He is even more inconsistent than Nani, has two or three great games and then goes missing for the next 10."

"Meh, he'd be a like for like replacement for Nani."

"Basically, it would be like signing an in form Nani to replace our out of form Nani, except a little bit more of a dickhead."

Not exactly crying out for him, are they? Seems bizarre in retrospect but I think people genuinely thought Nani (and to a lesser extent Valencia) were going to find form this season. Some were also seriously underrating Di Maria too.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Oh yeah, it was definitely just a relatively small proportion of posters. That was my point, even at that stage there were hardcore Nani fans still convinced he was up at their level.

Random quotes from last summer when Di Maria was linked to us:

Spoiler

"If Nani goes, I'd take di María. They're similar, for me."

"I'd take Di Maria, but that hinges on what happens with Nani. I'd prefer if we kept Nani instead, but If Nani goes I'd want us to buy another winger. If he stays, there's no need for Di Maria."

"Do. Not. Want."

"Far too hit and miss, we'd be better served just keeping hold of Nani. At least with a run of games you know he could recapture his best form, at which point i think he's better than Di Maria."

"Agreed. I think most United fans agree that there aren't many options out there that can replace Nani, especially not if you take price into the equation."

"He is a bit like Nani from what I have seen."

"He's pretty much Nani but a bit taller, and dives and cheats more."

"He is even more inconsistent than Nani, has two or three great games and then goes missing for the next 10."

"Meh, he'd be a like for like replacement for Nani."

"Basically, it would be like signing an in form Nani to replace our out of form Nani, except a little bit more of a dickhead."

Not exactly crying out for him, are they? Seems bizarre in retrospect but I think people genuinely thought Nani (and to a lesser extent Valencia) were going to find form this season. Some were also seriously underrating Di Maria too.

I'm pretty sure it's that, more than the former. Anyone who watches Di Maria regularly knows that those quotes are nonsense.

 

[dev1l]

Nani is one of many players who had a crap season but most probably he ll hit top form during the world cup..the same goes for rvp,messi,neymar ...

 

[acnumber9]

never understood fans booing their own players

in any profession of any type - how could booing ever improve your performance.....can understand frustration but unnecessarily getting in someones back is not being a 'supporter'

It's a sign of frustration. It also wasn't particularly unnecessary. He was acting a tit and the booing prompted him to speed up. If a player came on the pitch and just sat in the centre circle would he deserve support? If people get frustrated they're not supporters?