It's important to note that Nani is an all-together different player to Ronaldo. He is an out-and-out winger, his major strength being his ability to cross the ball into dangerous areas - at which it can be said he outshines his former team-mate - whereas Ronaldo was more a marauding forward, intent on scoring goals rather than making them.

Another valuable asset is his versatility. He can play on either flank, although his crossing remains most effective when he operates on the right wing, and he has the skill, pace and shooting power to be a threat when cutting back infield. Nani is also capable of explosive bursts of brilliance and

spectacular goals that have proven well worthy of his equally extravagant backflip celebrations. So often the go-to guy when the Reds crave a spark of individuality or creative flair, his ability to unbalance and outfox the stoutest of defenders is a joy to behold.

Old Trafford got its first glimpse of Nani's acrobatics when he scored his first Reds goal against Tottenham in August 2007, and followed that with goals against Middlesbrough, Arsenal and – the goal that perhaps most endeared him to fans early in his career – a great strike in the 3-0 win over Liverpool at OT in March 2008.