Nani: I Could Stay At United

With just one year remaining on his current deal and the club not offering a contract that meets his expectation, it seemed certain that Nani would be leaving United this summer. Last summer the club agreed a deal with Zenit St Petersburg for the player but Nani didn’t want to leave so wouldn’t agree terms with the Russian outfit.

Whilst Nani has been linked with a move to a whole host of clubs, including Arsenal, the Portuguese winger has claimed that his future doesn’t necessarily lie away from United, but has dismissed the likelihood of him returning to Portugal.

“My future? Nothing is certain,” said Nani. “I am calm. I have everything in my hands. I am not saying that I will not continue at Manchester United. I will think about what is best for me. I have respect for the Portuguese clubs, especially Sporting Lisbon but also Benfica and Porto, but I don’t think that is viable. I think my level at the moment is different.”

Having once been tipped as the “next Ronaldo”, Nani has had a mixed time at the club. He scored in the penalty shoot out against Chelsea in 2008, he was voted Player of the Year by his team mates when we won our 19th title, he’s scored goals against City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich… but then he’s probably earned the title from a lot of fans as our most frustrating player too.

Personally, I’d be happy to see him find an agreement with the club for a new deal, as when he’s playing regularly he often enjoys some good form and is capable of moments of magic. But if no extension is signed, we would be better of taking the money for him this summer.