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Manchester United Comment: Nani's Letter Of Resignation
The battle in the press between the player and his manager can have only one winner.
Nov 12, 2009 5:59:22 AM
Nani has started a war of words with Sir Alex Ferguson, but the Manchester United manager will have the final say.
The wingers’ broadside from the safety of the Portuguese national camp could have huge repercussions for his job security in the club game.
From David Beckham to Jaap Stam, the Scot has been quick to quell any dissenting voices.
Throughout his tenure, anyone who breaks rank and destroys the accord built up in his squad has seen their career in the North West of England hit a dead end.
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper I, Nani put the blame at his own patchy form squarely at the door of his manager and accused him of berating his players to excess.
“People expect more from me and it's not easy. But they are also not doing what they said they were going to," he said.
"I know it would be better if I scored more goals.
"I can have a spectacular game but nobody guarantees me I will be starting the next match. It shatters your confidence.
"I did not play the important matches, against Liverpool, Manchester City or Tottenham. Not playing these games, I am a bit sad. But for now I am not considering leaving.
"Ferguson is a very complicated man.
"He's tough. If things are all right, then they are all right. But when he thinks something is wrong, everything is screwed.
"He can go from complimenting you to just plain trashing you in a matter of minutes. Has it happened to me? Hell, yes! He'll say 'Nani, how could you miss this or this'?”
Nani’s accusation of “trash talking” from the man at the top could see his United career left on the scrapheap.
The example of how Jaap Stam went from first pick to being shown the exit door shows the mercurial left winger that his declaration that he’s not looking to leave isn't worth the paper it’s written on.
Frank revelations in the Dutchman’s autobiography about being tapped up by Ferguson were laced with criticisms of his team-mates. As soon as it hit the publishing press, he was on the transfer list and on a plane to Italy.
While Stam was outstanding during his time at Old Trafford, Nani has been at best inconsistent. Being world class wasn’t even enough of a safety net for the center-back.
Most alarming for the Scottish supremo will be the questioning of team selection and bleating that his displays should see him as a nailed on first choice. Unfortunately for Nani, Ferguson’s set-up is run firmly on the lines of a meritocracy.
Perform on the pitch and you will be rewarded with game time. Campaigning in the press to be named in the starting side will get you nowhere unless you are hitting the heights on the turf.
Nani needs to get back to letting his football doing the talking, rather than expecting a soundbite to clear the path to Old Trafford superstardom.
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com
Get all the latest EPL news with Goal.com's dedicated England page.
The wingers’ broadside from the safety of the Portuguese national camp could have huge repercussions for his job security in the club game.
From David Beckham to Jaap Stam, the Scot has been quick to quell any dissenting voices.
Throughout his tenure, anyone who breaks rank and destroys the accord built up in his squad has seen their career in the North West of England hit a dead end.
Speaking to Portuguese newspaper I, Nani put the blame at his own patchy form squarely at the door of his manager and accused him of berating his players to excess.
“People expect more from me and it's not easy. But they are also not doing what they said they were going to," he said.
"I know it would be better if I scored more goals.
"I can have a spectacular game but nobody guarantees me I will be starting the next match. It shatters your confidence.
"I did not play the important matches, against Liverpool, Manchester City or Tottenham. Not playing these games, I am a bit sad. But for now I am not considering leaving.
"Ferguson is a very complicated man.
"He's tough. If things are all right, then they are all right. But when he thinks something is wrong, everything is screwed.
"He can go from complimenting you to just plain trashing you in a matter of minutes. Has it happened to me? Hell, yes! He'll say 'Nani, how could you miss this or this'?”
Foot in mouth | Stam talked his way out of United
Nani’s accusation of “trash talking” from the man at the top could see his United career left on the scrapheap.
The example of how Jaap Stam went from first pick to being shown the exit door shows the mercurial left winger that his declaration that he’s not looking to leave isn't worth the paper it’s written on.
Frank revelations in the Dutchman’s autobiography about being tapped up by Ferguson were laced with criticisms of his team-mates. As soon as it hit the publishing press, he was on the transfer list and on a plane to Italy.
While Stam was outstanding during his time at Old Trafford, Nani has been at best inconsistent. Being world class wasn’t even enough of a safety net for the center-back.
Most alarming for the Scottish supremo will be the questioning of team selection and bleating that his displays should see him as a nailed on first choice. Unfortunately for Nani, Ferguson’s set-up is run firmly on the lines of a meritocracy.
Perform on the pitch and you will be rewarded with game time. Campaigning in the press to be named in the starting side will get you nowhere unless you are hitting the heights on the turf.
Nani needs to get back to letting his football doing the talking, rather than expecting a soundbite to clear the path to Old Trafford superstardom.
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com
Get all the latest EPL news with Goal.com's dedicated England page.
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