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Nani has found himself on the fringes of late at Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson put the Portuguese winger on the bench a lot last season and the trend has continued under David Moyes during the current one.
This has led to many rumours suggesting that he may be moving away from Old Trafford, with a possible move to Spain, Russia or Turkey on the cards.
He has appeared in just the five league games during the 2013/14 season and has only once played the full match in United’s home defeat to West Brom. Additionally, Nani has not figured at all in any of the club’s four Champions League fixtures. He has also not played in the last two Premier League matches.
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However, United have faltered in their start to the season and despite a recent upturn in form they still find themselves five points off the top after 11 games with only six wins in those opening matches.
While Nani has been on the bench frequently of late, he could offer a lot to the first XI. His Performance Score of 28 may not be the highest in the squad, but it is better than that of both Ryan Giggs on -14 and Ashley Young on an embarrassing -28.
His chance creation is also high compared to his fellow Manchester United midfielders. At nine, only Michael Carrick has created more chances than Nani with 12. He has also created over twice as many as Young, Shinji Kagawa and Adnan Januzaj. Although none of these key passes have resulted in an assist, this is more a reflection of United’s finishing.
Nani Chances Created stats
Nani is also very capable of beating his man, completing 67% of his 24 attempted take ons. Again, this is better than Janujaz, Young, Antonio Valencia and Kagawa. Nani is better at getting past his marker and providing a key pass than all players of similar positions in the Manchester United ranks.
Nani Take On Completion stats
Last season, he only appeared 11 times in the league. However, he created one goal scoring chance per game and managed two assists, while achieving success in 59% of take ons.
His form for some time now has been sporadic and inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance often followed by a baffling decision or unbelievably poor performance. However, during his five games this season he has been fairly consistent in what he has done.
Nani is still part of the Portugal squad and will feature in the play-off matches against Sweden, but with it being a World Cup year he will need to play as much as possible. This could lead to him looking to move away from the club come January should he not be featuring more. Another reason for Moyes to give him more games.
He provides a better option than many in his position under David Moyes at doing what a winger needs to do, getting a ball into the box and creating a goal scoring chance.
For that reason alone he should be getting more games at United.
