Football Talk - Nani risks wrath of Ferguson - 12/11/09
Nani has risked incurring the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson by publicly accusing the Manchester United manager of undermining his confidence and depicting a foulmouthed boss who rules Old Trafford by fear.
Despite the departure of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo over the summer, Nani has started only half of the club's 12 Premier League games this season. Nani claims that his confidence has been affected and the winger has raised questions regarding Ferguson's handling of his career following a £17 million move from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2007.
When asked if he thought his career was being handled badly, Nani replied: "As it is now, I think so. People expect more from me and it's not easy. But they are also not doing what they said they were going to. I know it would be better if I scored more goals.
"I can have a spectacular game but nobody guarantees me I will be starting the next match. It shatters your confidence. I did not play the important matches, against Liverpool, Manchester City or Tottenham. Not playing these games, I am a bit sad. But for now I am not considering leaving."
Nani's description of his life at Old Trafford will prompt speculation regarding his long-term future under Ferguson and the player is well aware of the fiery nature of his boss. "Ferguson is a very complicated man," Nani said. "He's tough. If things are all right, then they are all right. But when he thinks something is wrong, everything is screwed.
"He can go from complimenting you to just plain trashing you in a matter of minutes. Has it happened to me? Hell, yes! He'll say 'Nani, how could you miss this or this'? He shouts at players in front of everyone. No one escapes, everybody is the same.
"Giggs and Neville suffer most, because they have more experience. It is 'F**k' here and 'F**k' there."
