• Premier League

Nani determined to repay Ferguson faith

ESPN staff
March 14, 2013
Nani believes he still has a future at Manchester United despite having a troubled campaign © PA Photos
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Nani is determined to show Sir Alex Ferguson his worth as he tries to secure a new contract at Manchester United.

The Portugal winger's current deal expires in 2014 and he is likely to be sold this summer if another cannot be agreed as United seek to prevent the £17 million winger leaving on a free transfer.

Ferguson has said that he wants the former Sporting Lisbon player to stay at Old Trafford, and Nani has fought his way back into the United manager's plans to earn a surprise start against Real Madrid last week.

Although the 26-year-old was controversially shown a red card in United's Champions League exit, Ferguson has not blamed Nani and the winger is determined to repay the Scot's faith.

"I want to show the manager that he can trust me and he can believe in me in every match," he said. "I want to show him my contribution can help win games. So I'll keep working hard to make sure I'm ready to respond every time I get a chance."

Nani has been limited to 19 United appearances in an injury-hit season and he was out from November to January with a hamstring problem.

He limped off again in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea but is expected back soon and believes his lesser workload could work in his favour in the remainder of the season as United look to do the Double.

"My confidence is high and I think the best is still to come from me," he added. "This is my time and I think I can be important for the team in these big games. Because I was injured for two months, it means I'm fresh now when some other players are starting to get tired."

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