Source: Daily_Mail
Ferguson praises 'shy' Nani - who is finally coming of age at Old Trafford
Coming of age: Nani milks the applause at Emirates[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson believes Portuguese winger Nani is finally coming of age at Manchester United.[LNB]The 23-year-old, bought from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 for some £18million, produced a dazzling display as the Red Devils swept aside title rivals Arsenal 3-1 at Emirates Stadium to close the gap on leaders Chelsea down to just one point.[LNB]Ferguson had long championed the potential of the pacey wideman, who was for so long under the shadow of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.[LNB]With some 50 appearances now under his belt, the United boss believes this season could be very special for the Portugal wideman as his side chase a record fourth consecutive league title.[LNB]'Nani has settled down now and is getting maturity,' Ferguson said on MUTV. 'He has been pretty immature since he came to the club, but you are seeing the development now.[LNB]'He is shy boy and you hope games like at Arsenal will give him the confidence to know he is a United player. We are all delighted with him.[LNB]'It is amazing when you talk to the players, they all think he is fantastic and want him to play.[LNB]'Now, we are getting consistency from him now. It gives me a massive decision now between Nani and Antonio Valencia.'[LNB] Sublime: Nani's (left) goal was a contender for goal of the season[LNB]Despite keeping the pressure on Chelsea, United - who reached the Carling Cup final with victory over rivals City - could again be facing a four-point gap should the leaders, as expected, beat Hull in their rearranged match on Tuesday.[LNB]The Gunners head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, by which time the Red Devils will be hoping to have dispatched bottom club Portsmouth at Old Trafford.[LNB]While Ferguson accepts his side must focus on their own game, an away win in next weekend's London derby would sit very nicely.[LNB]'We will be rooting for Arsenal. We need Chelsea to drop points,' he said. 'Now we need to show real consistency to the end of the season.'[LNB] Ji-sung Park insists title-chasing United can handle the pressureArsenal 1 Manchester United 3: Rooney the destroyer - Sharpshooter Wayne shatters Gunners' title illusions with a little help from Nani We made massive errors against United, admits Arsenal boss WengerTRANSFER DEADLINE DAY LIVE: Adam Johnson poised for switch to Manchester City, West Ham complete signing of Benni McCarthy and Portsmouth reject Stoke's £3m bid for Asmir Begovic - all the deals and drama as they happenGunners legend Thierry Henry hails United's red hot marksman RooneyFrench giants PSG fail with loan swoop for Manchester United misfit AndersonMANCHESTER UNITED FC
