Nani determined to prove his worth at United

By FOX Sports Staff

Nani's contract with the current Premier League leaders is set to expire at the end of this season and is reported to be holding out for a higher pay around £130,000-a-week but United are unwilling to go beyond their offer of £90,000-a-week.

Despite almost joining to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg in the summer, the Portuguese winger has impressed recently for United and hopes to stay atthe club. Ever since coming back from a two-month injury, Nani has now started three of United's last four games, including a starring performance against Real Madrid where he created United's only goal before being controversially sent off.

"I want to show the manager that he can trust me and he can believe in me in every match," he was quoted as saying on the Mirror.

"I want to show him my contribution can help win games. So I'll keep working hard to make sure I'm ready to respond every time I get a chance. Now my confidence is high and the best is still to come from me.

"This is my time and I believe I can be important for the team in these big games.

"Because I was injured for two months, it means I'm fresh when some other players are starting to get tired.

"I feel I'm in good form and I've nearly arrived at my peak. I believe I can surprise a few people over the next few games."

United are now entering the crucial phase of the season with cup games every other week. Their unfortunate elimination from the Champions League leaves them with the Premier League and the FA Cup to fight for and Nani is determined to play a crucial role in the run-in.

He added: "We were all disappointed after the Real Madrid game, me more than anyone. But we are determined to move on from it and make it a big season.

"There are many games still to play and still two trophies to go for.

"I have had a bit of bad luck with injuries. I pulled my hamstring against Braga in November and it took until the middle of January for me to come back. It felt a very long time out.

"But now I'm back and I want to hit my best form and help the team win trophies."

"In those periods, you have to treat training sessions like they are matches and work especially hard every day. Then, when you get an opportunity, hopefully your performance levels are already high.

"This is a scenario that affects a lot of players, not just me. We have two or three players for every position and the manager rotates his side. The key is that everybody works hard and they are ready to help the team when they are picked.

Nani was brought off in last weekend's FA Cup 1-1 draw against Chelsea with a tight hamstring injury but is set to make a return when United visit Reading on Saturday.