David Moyes has rushed to defend Nani after the Portuguese was booed off the pitch by sections of United fans during Saturday’s 3-2 win against Stoke City.
Nani, who had been at his frustrating best throughout the afternoon, was substituted by Adnan Januzaj after 58 minutes and the Portuguese was targeted by boos as he left the pitch, after some fans had allowed their frustration to spill over and directed their anger to the Portuguese.
Moyes, however, was quick to defend one of his players, even though Nani has often been criticised this season for a string of largely anonymous performances that have brought many to question the wisdom of offering the Portuguese winger a new five-year deal last summer.
“He is a regular and captain for Portugal so he is very talented.
“There were one or two decisions he might have made better, but he got us the (first) goal with a lovely ball. We have a lot of competition for places in the wide areas, incredible competition, and that is what we’re looking for,” said the United manager.
Moyes was also keen to play down the importance of a second consecutive win at home in all competitions, which left United in eight place, two points behind Manchester City but eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who will visit Old Trafford in two weeks.
“It was a win in the Premier League. They are hard to come by and they are not easy,” said Moyes, whose side was repeatedly exposed by Stoke in the first half, as Mark Hughes’ men scored twice and would have had a couple of more, had it not been for some superb saves by David De Gea.
“It was a big moment to win the game and hopefully we will continue to win games. If it’s in the same fashion then we’ll take it, but if we can make it a bit easier it will be great for the old ticker,” continued the United manager.
