Super Nani shines

Sir Alex's decision to plump for Nani ahead of Ryan Giggs on Saturday paid dividends for the United boss, with the Portuguese wonder-kid lighting up the Reds' 4-1 win over Middlesbrough.

Nani kick-started the goal spree with a long-range missile in the third minute… after coming in off the left wing and beating three Boro defenders.

"He doesn't score tap-ins," Sir Alex joked on MUTV. "He's a thunderbolt-hitter. It was a fantastic goal and Nani's coming along very nicely. I thought it would be refreshing to use him today instead of Ryan Giggs. I've got next Saturday to think about [so I rested Ryan] but Nani came on and had a good impact."

The 20-year-old had a hand in most of the Reds' meaningful attacks, particularly in the first half, and his contribution didn't escape striker Wayne Rooney.

"He came in today and did really well," Rooney said. "His goal was a great strike – it bent and dipped all over the place."

Nani's two United goals have both come at Old Trafford, and both with the scores locked at 0-0.