Trash-Talking Alex Ferguson Is Mismanaging Me - Manchester United Winger Nani

Nani has done himself no favours in his quest to become a first-team regular at Manchester United, as the fringe winger has accused Sir Alex Ferguson of stalling his progress.

The 'new Cristiano Ronaldo' has failed to live up to that tag since moving from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, and even after his compatriot's departure for Real Madrid he finds himself marooned on the bench as often as not.

When asked if he felt he was being poorly managed at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old said: "As it is now, I think so."

Speaking to Portuguese newspaper I (reprinted in The Sun), Nani went on to explain that his inability to string together a decent run in the starting XI was at least partly to blame for his inconsistent form.

"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's adoption of the rotation policy in recent seasons has been well documented, and this term is no different as the Scot goes in search of a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

But if any other United players have misgivings about such tactics, few are likely to speak up - as Nani revealed that even club legends Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville are subject to the gaffer's violent mood shifts.

"Ferguson is a very complicated man," he explained.

"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'?

"He shouts at players in front of everyone. No one escapes, everybody is the same. Giggs and Neville suffer most, because they have more experience. It is 'F**k' here and 'F**k' there."

Nani is currently away with the Portugal squad ahead of their World Cup play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mick Maguire, Goal.com UK