Nani prospers from Fergie’s right-minded approach

THE major luxury for Alex Ferguson is that he rarely has to even think about what his strongest XI might be, but as Manchester United’s season belatedly begins to pick up some momentum, it is starting to show itself.

With Ferguson having a clear idea of the team he will select for up to three games in advance, the campaign is beginning to map itself out, with the Champions League starting again next week with a juicy tie against David Beckham’s AC Milan, the Carling Cup final with Aston Villa at the end of the month, as well as the title race turning from simmer to boil.

Although it has only been five games since Nani has been in the side after an ankle problem, the Portuguese’s return to action, in the form of his life, has given United the edge they have been missing in the opening months of the campaign.