Nani Gives Manchester United Future a Timely Lifeline

Manchester United winger Nani gave his hopes of earning a new contract at Old Trafford a shot in the arm after his double helped beat Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road.

Having missed United's pre-season tour of the Far East due to a broken nose, Nani made his first appearance in pre-season alongside captain Nemanja Vidic and fellow-winger Antonio Valencia.

Nani has entered the final year of his contract at United and his future is shrouded in uncertainty after Monaco revealed they had been offered the 26 year old this summer.

Manager David Moyes returns to Manchester today to stage showdown talks with a number of players regarding their future, including Nani.

And the Scot will likely be impressed by Nani's performance on his return to the United fold, with goals either side of half-time swatting away their League One opposition.

After being fouled on the edge of the area, Nani stepped up and curled past a motionless Alan Martin after just 11 minutes, before holding off Thierry Audel to add a second after the break.

Since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 Nani has failed to settle in English football and is often a source of frustration among many United fans.

He made just 15 starts in all competitions last season under Sir Alex Ferguson but insists after a positive return to action, he is ready to fight for his place.

"Of course there is a big difference when Sir Alex leaves the club and you can feel the change because you know how important he was to this club but the team is the same so we hope the manager comes with a lot of good ideas to help us win again," Nani said.

"Everyone has to prove himself because it is a different manager, different ideas but he knows the players, he's seen us on TV all this year he knows the players. I think that in a couple of weeks, a couple of months the players will understand the personalities."

While Nani fights for a new contract, Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev, whose side have already signed Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho this summer, revealed the principality side have been offered the chance to sign the United man.

"He has been proposed to us," the Russian said. "He is a very good player, but there have been no talks so far.

"We have already changed our group quite a bit and we also want to offer opportunities to our young players.

"We still have time to make a few alterations before the end of the transfer window, if needed."