Manchester United have effectively brought an end to Nani’s career at Old Trafford after loaning him back to Portugal. The Portuguese winger came to United in the summer of 2007 for around £ 25 million. He was billed as the next Cristiano Ronaldo, but progress has not been in the same way as the former Manchester United star. Nani has struggled for form, while consistency has been a major problem with the 27-year-old. It was widely reported that Nani would be leaving last summer since he had only 12 months left on his contract, but United offered him a new five-year contract much to the surprise of many.
Less than 12 months after giving him a new five-year deal, they have loaned him back to Sporting Lisbon for the remainder of the season. The deal that takes him back to Portugal is part of the £ 16 million acquisition of Argentine defender Rojo. Nani was recently seen in the Premier league defeat against Swansea on the opening day of the season. He came on as a substitute for Javier Hernandez after the half-time break. This appeared to suggest that manager Louis van Gaal was prepared to give him a second chance, but Nani was once again poor.
Despite his struggles in recent years, the winger was given a hero’s reception at Sporting Lisbon, who have produced several great wingers over the last decade. It is also understood that United will be paying the full wages of Nani for the time he spends at Sporting. The player is believed to be a contract at just under £ 5 million per year. Even though this may be a loan deal, Nani’s career at Old Trafford appears to be effectively over. Sporting Lisbon could make a permanent offer for the player next summer.