Why Manchester United might consider selling Nani

Luis Nani: For Sale?

In Manchester United‘s last title winning season, Luis Nani was voted by the United Players’ Player of the Year. He managed a total of 10 goals and 15 assists. The 2010-11 season was considered the turnaround season for Nani. Often compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, it seemed that Nani was finally coming out of his shadow. But if the last season was anything to go by, Nani, despite his skill and talent, would have patches of inconsistency in his game. Even though he did manage 8 goals and 12 assists last season, he retained his trait of under-performing in certain important games.

The opening encounter of 2012-13 season showed how he at times is wasteful on the ball and fails to deliver anything. His failure to deliver quality crosses into the box is something which would not go down well with his reputation as a winger. For a team like Manchester United, which epitomizes consistency when it comes to challenging and winning trophies, Nani’s swinging form has been a matter of concern for the manager. Antonio Valencia, ever since his arrival, has been consistent as an orthodox winger, and was deservedly given the mantle of No. 7 at the club. His consistency is a sharp contrast to Nani’s.

With the arrival of Ashley Young last season, United have a backup for the Portuguese international. Nani still has two years left on his contract but was negotiating a new deal with the club management last season. The contract talks are stalled over the player’s wage demands. While Nani receives a £90,000 per week, his agent is holding out for something in the range of £130,000 per week. The United management is in no mood to give the player his wishes given the form he is in. They consider Nani in a weak position to bargain after his poor showings for club and country.

Of late, there have been reports of Zenit St. Petersburg making a bid for Nani, with the Sun reporting that Nani might be axed by the club for his poor showings at Goodison Park. It seems that United would hold out for an offer involving crazy money. A sale of such kind would help United balance the books following a very expensive summer.

However, it seems rather improbable that Ferguson would be willing to sell a player who had the second highest assists for his club last season. But Nani’s wage demands and swinging level of performances might convince the manager to do otherwise, particularly if the club management deems it necessary to help recoup some of the summer expenditure.

For a player like Nani, who dreams of being the best player in the world, his inconsistency has let him down. Performances like the last one at Goodison park are not going to do him any favors, with competition for the starting spot being so fierce at United. He must learn to perform with consistency if he is to continue at a top club like Manchester United.

Experience has shown us that no player is untouchable at Manchester United. Hence, one should not be surprised if United decides to sell Nani.