Smileband Sports News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Nani: The Flamboyant Winger Who Lit Up Old Trafford

When Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha — better known as Nani — signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2007, he arrived as a young, energetic Portuguese winger carrying the weight of great expectations. Following in the footsteps of his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani was brought from Sporting CP for around £17 million, with Sir Alex Ferguson believing he had found another gem from Lisbon.

Early Beginnings at Old Trafford (2007–2009)

Nani made an immediate impression on United fans with his dazzling skills, pace, and ability to score from distance. His debut season (2007–08) saw moments of brilliance — including stunning goals against Tottenham Hotspur and Middlesbrough, plus a thunderous strike against Liverpool in the Champions League.

While he often alternated between flashes of genius and inconsistency, Nani ended that first campaign with three goals and six assists, helping Manchester United lift both the Premier League and the Champions League trophies. He famously celebrated by performing backflips — a symbol of the flair and confidence he brought to the side.

Becoming a Key Player (2009–2011)

Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in 2009, Nani was expected to step up as United’s main creative force on the wings. Initially, he struggled for form and consistency under Ferguson’s demanding management. However, the 2009–10 season marked a turning point.

In a crucial January 2010 match against Arsenal, Nani delivered a sensational performance — tormenting defenders with his dribbling and contributing heavily in attack. From that moment, his confidence soared.

The 2010–11 season was arguably the peak of Nani’s Manchester United career. He was named the Players’ Player of the Year, scoring 10 goals and registering 18 assists in all competitions. His creativity, speed, and unpredictability made him one of the most feared wingers in England. That season, he helped United win another Premier League title, their record 19th, surpassing Liverpool’s total at the time.

Moments of Magic and Frustration (2011–2013)

Nani continued to deliver moments of brilliance, such as his spectacular long-range strike against Manchester City in the 2011 Community Shield — a match United won 3–2 after his dramatic late winner.

However, inconsistency and competition for places — from players like Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young — meant his starting opportunities began to dwindle. While he remained a vital squad member, his performances became more erratic, and injuries further limited his impact.

The 2012–13 season, Ferguson’s final year before retirement, saw Nani play a smaller role, though United went on to win their 20th Premier League title.

Post-Ferguson Struggles and Exit (2013–2015)

With Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Nani’s career at United took a downturn. Under David Moyes, he signed a new five-year contract but rarely featured, suffering from fitness issues and managerial uncertainty.

When Louis van Gaal took over in 2014, Nani was loaned back to Sporting CP, where he regained confidence and showcased the flair that had once electrified Old Trafford.

In 2015, after eight years with Manchester United, Nani’s time at the club officially came to an end. He left with 230 appearances, 40 goals, and 73 assists, along with four Premier League titles, one Champions League, two League Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, and four Community Shields.

Legacy

Nani’s Manchester United career remains one of contrast — brilliance mixed with inconsistency. At his best, he was unstoppable: fast, fearless, and full of creativity. His ability to beat defenders, provide assists, and score spectacular goals made him a crowd favourite, even if his decision-making sometimes frustrated teammates and fans alike.

He will forever be remembered for moments like his curling strike against Arsenal, his stunning assists in United’s title-winning campaigns, and his exuberant celebrations that captured the joy of football.

While he never quite reached the heights of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani’s legacy at Manchester United endures — as a gifted winger who helped define a golden era at Old Trafford.

Career Summary at Manchester United (2007–2015):

• Appearances: 230

• Goals: 40

• Assists: 73

• Major Trophies:

• 4× Premier League (2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13)

• 1× UEFA Champions League (2007–08)

• 2× League Cup (2008–09, 2009–10)

• 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2008)

• 4× Community Shield (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011)

Attached is a news article regarding Nani Manchester United career 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crm7z0z2p8do

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

<!-- Histats.com  (div with counter) --><div id="histats_counter"></div>
<!-- Histats.com  START  (aync)-->
<script type="text/javascript">var _Hasync= _Hasync|| [];
_Hasync.push(['Histats.start', '1,4831086,4,1,120,40,00011111']);
_Hasync.push(['Histats.fasi', '1']);
_Hasync.push(['Histats.track_hits', '']);
(function() {
var hs = document.createElement('script'); hs.type = 'text/javascript';hs.async = true;
hs.src = ('//s10.histats.com/js15_as.js');
(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] ||document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(hs);
})();</script>
<noscript><a href="/" target="_blank"><img src="//sstatic1.histats.com/0.gif?4831086&101" alt="free geoip" border="0"></a></noscript>
<!-- Histats.com  END  -->

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc4cbb30.js"></script