Luis Nani has left Manchester United after nearly eight years at the club. Every player hopes to leave a legacy of their own, and whilst for most it is difficult to leave anything befitting the word, they can at least move on leaving behind them moments and memories.
How will Nani be perceived now that he is moving on? Many believe him to have underachieved and even consider him to be a ‘flop’. That harsh judgement is an unfair analysis of his full seven seasons in United colours.
His time at United has seen him under the constant pressure of being the next Ronaldo. The burden is born out of the numerous similarities between the pair. Both hailed from Sporting Lisbon, Nani joining four years after his compatriot in a deal believed to be worth £17 million.
The additional pressure obviously didn’t help and it is possible that Nani suffers from a sensitive personality and lack of confidence. But his overall ability has shined through time and again during his time in Manchester.
A lack of consistency has been often thrown at him, and whilst this is certainly true, it is also worth remembering that Nani is that sort of player. He can be spectacular and frustrating all in one sequence of play. By nature his type of attacking player is inconsistent. No one knows what he will do next. At times this is of course infuriating but it can also be exciting and thrilling to watch.
Nani has displayed many moments of jaw-dropping skill and match-winning magic. Whilst his confident nature can be doubted, his courage and tenacity should be commended. He is exciting and daring and that ability to try something different made him stand out from the rest.
The magnificent skill in a match away to Arsenal in 2010 deserves a place amongst the finest pieces of individual play that you will ever see. There are few players who can, and would even try, to attempt such wonderful and audacious piece of skill.
Even those with a short memory will remember the impact Nani had on our 19th title success of 2010/11. He produced a string of top class displays, scoring and assisting goals, and became a match-winner. He’s always had it in his locker but that year was the first time he’d performed to such a level on a regular basis.
Nani carried that form into the 2011/12 campaign and arguably performed even better. Injuries have been a thorn in his side during his final two seasons as he made just 34 appearances in 2012/13 and 2013/14 combined.
It is easy to see why Louis van Gaal is happy to move Nani on. The 28-year-old is far too erratic to fit the Dutchman’s strict philosophy and system. In truth, a move away to a smaller club will suit Nani better. He performed wonderfully back at Sporting Lisbon last year and he could well do the same in Turkey with Fenerbahce. Perhaps he is best suited being a big fish in a small pond.
Many will be remembering Nani as an infuriating and inconsistent winger. For me, the tricks and skills, like that magical moment against Arsenal, a delightful through ball against AC Milan in 2010 or a spectacular finish against Chelsea in 2011, moments that lit up a football pitch and gave you the sort of shivers that only genius can. Luis Almeida da Cunha ‘Nani’ is a genius of his own kind.
