Blog: Nani is United's spark

Super Nani

"A look at his goals and assists record - as highlighted by Sir Alex at the press conference I attended this week - tells you all you need to know about his contribution to the cause."

- Adam Marshall

Blog: Nani is United's spark

It's possible to argue that Nani has one of the most difficult roles in the United side.

One of the most encouraging aspects of a good overall team performance in the 2-2 draw with Benfica was the suggestion that the winger is starting to recover top form after the distraction of the international break.

For me, Nani is key to the Reds' success because he offers something different and manages to shoulder the burden of being asked to make things happen out on the pitch. Others in the line-up clearly have more functional duties, whether it's marshalling the defence, winning tackles or keeping possession in midfield.

Nani is often charged with the responsibility of making a major mark on matches and has proved numerous times in the past that he is up to the task. A look at his goals and assists record - as highlighted by Sir Alex at the press conference I attended this week - tells you all you need to know about his contribution to the cause.

But his importance to United is greater and more fundamental than that. He is the go-to man we look for in order to unlock defences by beating his man, running at defenders, providing pinpoint crosses and firing in ferocious shots from distance.

By its very nature, this is a difficult job to do. It means he sometimes loses the ball when dribbling - defenders are capable of making the odd well-timed tackle. His balls into the box do not always