Nani returned to first team action after sustaining an injury at the World Cup. Having beaten Celtic and Philadelphia Union in the first two games of their North American tour, United were shocked by a team currently struggling in the MLS.

Davy Arnaud opened the scoring for the hosts before Dimitar Berbatov levelled from the penalty spot after a challenge which saw the Wizards' Jimmy Conrad sent off.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Wizards restored their lead through Kei Kamara before the break.

United raised the tempo in the second half but they were unable to breach the determined home defence.

The one consolation for Ferguson was the return of Nani, who played 68 minutes at Arrowhead Stadium in his first outing since suffering a dislocated collarbone before the World Cup.

Jose Mourinho believes that Portugal would have done well had the number of injured stars like Nani had been fit to take part in the world cup.

“There were a lot of players that could have made the squad more competitive and next time these players, like Bosingwa, Varela, Ruben and Nani will certainly be in form and will not be injured. We will have more options.”

Nani damaged his shoulder while performing a bicycle kick during a training session on June 3, but flew with the rest of the squad to South Africa two days later. He trained for two days before being ruled out with Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz saying he was in too much pain to continue.

"I have left the Portugal squad in South Africa because I am no longer necessary there," Nani told later to Gestifute.

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Nani has been awarded Manchester United’s opening goal in their 3-1 win over Arsenal in January, by the Premier League's Dubious Goals Panel.

The 23-year-old dribbled past three defenders before chipping the ball over Manuel Almunia to put the Red Devils ahead.

However, the goal was originally awarded as an Almunia own goal, but has now been awarded to Nani to take his goal tally for the season to seven.

Michael Carrick’s strike in their 5-0 win over Portsmouth in February has also been confirmed as the midfielder's, after sources credited Pompey’s Richard Hughes with the goal.

Play your part in the Fans World Cup! All you need to do is Like your chosen team, and help them win their group by having the most fans!

To support Portugal you need to like Portugal Fans and then check for updates on the Portugal Fans website. (To support a different team click here).

Manchester United attacker Nani has revealed he finally feels settled in England after nearly three years.

The Portugal international netted a fine chip in United's crucial victory over Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday, as a 3-1 win kept their title hopes alive.

Nani is beginning to put in performances that justify his £14million transfer fee, after he signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, having frustrated Red Devils fans in the past.

The 23-year-old recently signed a new contract at Old Trafford and says he has found his feet in the Premier League.

"Every player wants to play for this club and at the moment I am so happy because everything is going right for me," he said in the News of the World.

"I am playing well and I signed a new contract which proves I am so happy at the club. Yes, it took me a while to adjust.

"At times, it was difficult because I come from Portugal and the weather is a bit different and the football is different.

"But now I have been here three years and I have learned a lot with this club and a lot of the players I play with have taught me a lot. I understand English football better and that's why I am doing so well. I feel a lot more comfortable.

Manchester United’s winger Nani has praised the welcome that former United star David Beckham received from the fans after the Englishman was brought on during the Red Devils 4-0 thrashing of AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The former Sporting winger hopes to one day feel the same emotions that Beckham felt upon his return to the Old Trafford pitch when he replaced Ignazio Abate with a little under half an hour left in the match.

“It was amazing to see the atmosphere created for Beckham. Now I understand what he was for this club and I hope one day that happens with me. It was fantastic.”

The United winger played all 90 minutes and performed well against the Italian giants on Wednesday, assisting on Wayne Rooney’s second goal of the game with a tremendous through ball. The betting stakes show United are now one of the favourites in the Champions League.

“It is good to have an effect on the game. I made a great pass and we scored. I want to keep going like that.”

Manchester United winger Nani has insisted that a win for his side against Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow would be a “shattering blow” for the Merseysiders.

The champions make the short trip to Liverpool on Sunday hoping to inflict a fifth successive defeat on Rafael Benitez’s men which would leave them 10 points ahead of their rivals after just 10 games.

Speaking to The Sun, the Portuguese international admitted he was keen to inflict defeat on the Reds and gain revenge for last season when Benitez’s men did the double over United.

"To win at Anfield and leave them 10 points behind us would be such a shattering blow for Liverpool - but that's what we want to do," he explained.

"We remember losing 4-1 to them at Old Trafford last season and this is the best moment for us to show the other side of the coin.

"It's a great chance for us to gain revenge and to show everyone we are the Premier League champions."

Nani has rubbished reports of a loan return to Sporting.

The Manchester United winger has already declared that Cristiano Ronaldo's imminent exit will enable him to have more opportunities at Old Trafford.

And he reacted with bemusement to English press reports that he could rejoin his former club on a temporary basis next season.

"I am not aware of it," he informed Jornal de Noticias. "I have three more years on my contract.

"Would a loan even be accepted?

"I have no desire to return to Portuguese football.

"I am at a top club, playing in top competitions and I do not want to go back to Portuguese football."

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Nani is part of his plans for next season despite failing to make an impact during this campaign.

The Portuguese winger was said to be upset by his half-time substitution during the 5-2 win over Tottenham at the weekend, summing up a season in which he has started only six Premier League games – and not played the full 90 minutes in any.

The situation has prompted suggestions Ferguson may seek to offload the 22-year-old, who signed for £14m two years ago. But the United manager insisted Nani would prove himself next season.

"He has been unlucky this season," said Ferguson. "The form of Park Ji-Sung has been absolutely outstanding and most of the time has kept Nani out of the team.

"Getting a consistent run has really been the problem for him and then he got a little injury. But he will be here next season and he will do very well next season for us."