A Sincere Plea to Stretford End: Give Nani a Chance

Few players possess the skill to dribble from their own penalty box, to the opposition's penalty box, all the while taking out defenders from the game. Such players are special, and should be encouraged, not tormented.

Unfortunately, for all their virtues, the English crowd does not necessarily appreciate that "moment of magic", that piece of skill that can unlock defences.  They would rather see players run like dogs, and fight for every ball, than actually try to do something artistic on the ball.

I do not deny that hard work and determination are key qualities required of a footballer, but this determination need not come in the form of the miles they have covered, which is why England's trophy cabinet is as barren as it is.

Take the United fans, for example.

Being one myself, I find it hard to believe it when fellow fans say stuff like, "They jury is out on Berbatov."  You have got to be joking. 

The man is an absolute genius, and a joy to watch.  His languid approach is well documented and criticized, but you have got to look beyond prozone stats and actually watch the games to see the kind of impact Berba has.

That sublime touch on the ball, the time he has on the ball, those beautifully weighted passes, those cheeky flicks, yada yada.  Players like Berba are why we should be paying to watch a match.

At least Berba is experienced enough and calm enough to take all the criticism he recieves with a pinch of salt, and thankfully, it makes no difference to his beautiful game.

Alas, poor Nani does not quite possess the same equanimity of the Bulgarian, and consequently, his play is suffering.  No one can deny Nani's ability, but hearing impatient fans groan at his every mistake makes me squirm.

The lad is 22, taking over the mantle of a creative wide player from the best player in the world. He is in his third season in England, where big, uncompromising defenders do not think twice about taking him out.  Yet,he has shown that he has the courage to pick himself up and get on with things.

These are things to be appreciated and treasured, at least by United fans.

Instead, we complain, we criticise and we offer the young kid no support at all.

I am not saying Nani is Cristiano.  He makes loads of errors and his decision making always seems muddled, but this should not stop us from giving him the support he deserves.

Look at what he brings to the table—a capability of unlocking defences in tight games.  He is young, and will learn.  He just needs to be given time, patience and some much-needed support.

So United fans,this is a plea from me—A song for Nani from the Stretford End, maybe?  Or at least, an encouraging round of applause.