Crewe 0 Manchester United XI 2: Match Report

The talk has been that Nani could be set for a swift exit from Manchester United, with Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev admitting that the French side had been offered the chance to sign the player. 

Nani Scores Twice In The Match

The Russian told L'Equipe: ‘He has been proposed to us. He is a very good player, but there have been no talks so far. We still have time to make a few alterations before the end of the transfer window, if needed.’And on Monday evening at the compact and half-empty Gresty Road, the winger was handed the perfect preparation for the infamously sparse attendances at Monaco's Stade Louis II stadium. 

For a Ligue 2 game in January earlier this year, Monaco attracted just 4,089 to the provincial stadium that is destined to welcome Champions League football in the coming seasons. Here, Nani performed in front of a slightly larger audience, with 5,077 present to see Crewe take on a predominantly youthful United XI. Monaco will begin their first season back in the top flight with a 2 point deduction, a punishment for, of all things, a pitch invasion. 

Here, Nani saw the United travelling band in mischievous, and occasionally idiotic mood. They went through the repertoire, singing the names of the returning Nemanja Vidic and new manager David Moyes, and then rolled back through the Sir Alex Ferguson years, serenading Jaap Stam, Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt, who was present in the United technical area. 

In the second half, they demanded, 'We want Bebe', who was duly introduced from the substitutes bench with half-an-hour to go. Earlier on, the 952 United supporters threatened to turn menacing. As Nani stood over a free-kick twenty-five yards out, red flares were lit and thrown towards the playing surface in front of the rather comically named Ice Cream Van Stand. 

As it was, Nani appeared inspired, setting off the real pyrotechnics with a stunning free-kick to open the scoring. For so long, United have hoped and waited for the time when the Portuguese international would step into the shoes of his countryman Cristiano Ronaldo and become the prime creative force. So far, it has been a frustrating watch. 

Nani veers too often between the infuriating to the majestic, though last season was predominantly the former, and fell increasingly out of favour. His free-kick here had shades of Ronaldo. Nani's lime green right boot placed the ball at speed over the wall and past Alan Martin in the Crewe goal before the keeper could move an inch. 

In fact, he was terrific for all of the 65 minutes he played, always on the move, skipping by defenders - simply a cut above. United came under pressure for the first time in the opening stages of the second-half, with Crewe striking the bar and narrowly missing out on an equaliser during the subsequent goalmouth scramble. 

It also coincided with a shaky spell for Vidic, who was making his return after a bout of sciatica. In the first-half, the club captain was unruffled as United controlled possession. But after the break, the Serb became rattled by the lightning pace of youngster Max Clayton. The 18-year-old stretched the experience centre-back, taking him out to the wings and out of his comfort zone.

In all it was a valuable, if not impressive, hour; he looks a good few games short of the required match sharpness. It was Nani who once again stepped up to seal the victory, wriggling free of two defenders - and resisting the temptation to go down - to wrong-foot the goalkeeper and slot a low finish into the bottom corner. 

Moyes' plans for the winger remain to be seen, but Nani issued a timely reminder of his abilities. On the right wing, Antonio Valencia, making his first appearance of pre-season, appeared refreshed and provided a constant outlet. The end product was at times lacklustre, but there was enough about the Ecuadorian's performance to suggest Wilfried Zaha will face a battle fora starting berth on the flank.

As for Nani, he has a year remaining on his contract and this summer would appear to be crunch time for his United future. But if he can replicate this form in front of Moyes, there may be even more competition for the exciting Zaha as the new manager enters his first season in charge.  

Speaking afterwards, he said: 'Everyone has to prove themselves because we have a new manager with new ideas. But he knows us because we have played against him in these past years in the Premeir League. Now, with a couple of weeks together, he will understand all the personalities.'