Nani: I'm one of world's best

Manchester United winger Nani believes he is now one of the world's top players.

The Portuguese international is delighted with his current form which saw him score one of the season's more unusual goals in Saturday's 2-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur.

United were leading through captain Nemanja Vidic's first-half header when Nani poked in a second for the hosts five minutes from time.
The 23-year-old rolled a shot into the net after Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes had thrown the ball onto the ground believing a free-kick had been given after Nani had handled in the box.

However, referee Mark Clattenburg was waving for play to continue and consequently allowed the goal to stand after consulting his assistant.

The opportunist strike was Nani's seventh goal of the season and fourth in as many matches, and he is thrilled with his progress at Old Trafford.

"As a player I think I'm close to being as complete as I can be," said Nani. "Now I can say I'm one of the top players in the world.

"I play for the best club in the world and my role in the team is as a decisive player, scoring goals or setting up and so the team can win.

"You have to believe in yourself and believe in your abilities on the pitch. Big games are for big players.

"I want to be one of the best. I'm not scared to play in the big games, they are the most beautiful in football - you play with very high quality.

"Beautiful football, that's what everyone likes. And that helps lift my performance too."

Macheda inks new deal

Federico Macheda has penned a new four-year contract with Manchester United.


The 18-year-old has been an instant success since breaking into the United line-up last season, scoring winning goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland.

Those strikes went some way to helping the Red Devils claim the Barclays Premier League title - their 18th league championship.


Although Macheda has only made four appearances this season, manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the young Italian has a bright future.

We are delighted by the new four year deal," said Ferguson.

"Everyone at the club recognises the fantastic talent he has and we hope to see that develop in the next years, so he becomes a well rounded player."

Macheda came off the bench in United's 2-0 Carling Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur this week and has a further opportunity to shine in next week's Champions League tie with Wolfsburg in Germany.

The Italian U21 international, who joined from Lazio at 16, was delighted to extend his stay with the Old Trafford club.

"I am very happy to commit my future to Manchester United," said Macheda. "I really enjoyed myself last season when I came on and I hope to get more chances like that and contribute to the team's success."

Man Utd coach Joyce hails Obertan debut

Manchester United reserves assistant manager Warren Joyce was pleased with Gabriel Obertan's debut this week.

Obertan had 45 minutes in the Manchester Senior Cup victory over Oldham and Joyce told manutd.com: "Obertan, some of the quality touches and his movement were excellent, and his fitness levels looked really good as well.

"I think (physio) John Davin's shown him one or two tricks during his rehab! Some of his touches were excellent.

"He was inventive, he received it well and his movement off the ball was good as well, so he can be very pleased.

"He's been desperate to get that 45 minutes under his belt, he's been desperate to do even more training than he's done."