Nani a confirmed starter

Sir Alex has confirmed Nani is first-choice again after the winger's two-goal show at Wembley in the Community Shield.

The Portugal international has had to contend with unfair comparisons to former colleague Cristiano Ronaldo since arriving at Old Trafford and lost his place to Antonio Valencia for some of last term's run-in after the ex-Wigan wide man's return to fitness coincided with Nani being injured at Anfield.

With the former Sporting Lisbon star appearing to be firing on all cylinders again, he has already been assured of a place in the team for the Barclays Premier League opener at West Brom on Sunday.

"Nani had a fantastic season last year," enthused the boss. "He made 15 assists and scored eight or nine goals. He was unfortunate that Antonio Valencia came in at a time when we needed a bit of freshness and a boost to the squad. Valencia was fantastic.

"You have seen the form of Nani in pre-season and today. He will start the season. He is only in Ronaldo's shadow because he is Portuguese. He was never in his shadow in my mind. That is the only link I can see. He has always had great potential.

"Some players take longer to mature than others. Ronaldo was an exception. He was an incredible footballer. He matured immediately, from 18 until he left us. Stage by stage, he got better and better."