Manchester United keen to keep Nani, reveals Ferguson

22-Feb-2013 1:15:00 PM

The 26-year-old has struggled with a hamstring injury this season, and is rumoured to be interesting a number of clubs in Europe, but his boss wants him to sign a new contract

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that discussions are underway to extend Nani's stay at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old, who has 18 months left to run on his current deal, has struggled to assert himself in the first team this season after a number of niggling injuries but his boss is keen for him to remain at the club for the foreseeable.

"We want to keep him, there's no doubt about that," Sir Alex told the club's official website.

"He's capable of scoring incredible goals. His goal against Everton, when he dinked the keeper after playing a couple of one-twos, was incredible. And the goal against Tottenham the year before, where he dinked the goalkeeper after playing a one-two, was another one.


MANCHESTER UNITED LATEST
5/2	Nani is 5/2 to score anytime against QPR with bet365

"The boy has an incredible talent for winning matches. He's one of the best match-winners in the game, and I include the whole of Europe in that.

"David Gill's been speaking to his agent for quite a few weeks. It's entirely up to the boy - he has a year and a half left. I think he wants guaranteed first-team football. He can guarantee himself that. Performances like the other night can guarantee that.

"We're trying our best to keep him because he's such a match-winner."

A hamstring injury has kept Nani out for six weeks, but he returned recently despite failing to make the matchday squad to face Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg.

However, Sir Alex is happy with the selection headache the Portuguese’s return gives him.

Sir Alex added: "Nani was out with an injury for six weeks or more. We sent him back to Portugal for treatment and tried to get the injury to settle. He's never really had an injury.

"Now he's back fit, training well, he's a consideration. There's no doubt about that. It gives me a headache because Antonio Valencia has been a fantastic player for us and I know Nani likes playing on the right.

"We like to play Nani on the left sometimes. We also have Ashley Young who can play on the left and we have Ryan Giggs who can play there if we want him to play in a different way. Our options are fantastic. I think that puts us in a strong position."

Inside Goal.Com

Why Ancelotti is the right man to deliver La Decima
In the aftermath of the announcement of Mourinho's imminent departure from Real Madrid, Brendon Netto discusses why Ancelotti could be an able replacement.
Milan would be foolish to let go of Allegri
The Rossoneri coach's future has been mired in doubt despite the club finishing within the Champions League spots after a dismal start to the season...
Arsenal should build on CL qualification
Arsenal were ecstatic last night after securing fourth place once again. Brendon Netto discusses why it's time Arsenal build on this platform and finally move forward..
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel