Former Manchester United star Luís Nani believes the Red Devils are on the brink of a revival.
Speaking to newsmen, Nani said,
“I believe, in a few games more, everything will settle, and we’ll get the normal winning our games… really compete and be one of the best teams in the Premier League.”
United recently suffered a humiliating League Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town, despite signing high-profile forwards Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško.
In response, the club added young Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens to the squad.
Nani, a four-time Premier League winner, acknowledged the pressure on the new players.
“Everyone is expecting the new players to shine, so the stress doesn’t help,” he said.
He also backed manager Ruben Amorim, his former Portugal teammate. “He’s a great person, great coach… but the Premier League is not easy for any coach,” Nani noted.
Despite the challenges, Nani remains confident.
“I’m really confident in him. The results will come out and Man United will be a team who will be at the top of the table fighting for the usual title.”
Reflecting on his own derby memories, Nani recalled scoring against Manchester City in 2011 and assisting Wayne Rooney’s iconic bicycle kick.
“Playing in the derby is the most beautiful experience you can have in the Premier League,” he said.
“The team who wins the game, the next day, they can walk free in the city.”
Nani believes a strong performance in the upcoming derby could reignite United’s season.
“It will motivate all the fans, all the players. Everyone around the club will be ready for the next challenge.”
He also shared his views on City’s title chances.
“They’re a very consistent team, but this season, they didn’t start very well… I don’t see them winning the title.”
Beyond football, Nani reflected on his childhood in Amadora, Portugal. Despite poverty, he found joy in street football.
“Even with all the difficulties… I was happy because the only thing I wanted to do was to play football on the streets with my friends.”
He recalled scavenging fruit from neighbors’ gardens just to eat.
After retiring in 2024, Nani launched the Nani Football Academy to mentor young players.
“I always tell them to trust in themselves and never give up,” he said.
“In my academy… I try to teach them everything that I passed through my youth.”
He hopes to build mental strength in the next generation.
“They’re learning how to survive in this world, how to behave, how to be a good person but, at the same time, a strong person.”
