Player review: Nani

The Portuguese trickster finally came into his own in a red shirt last season...

Story of the season: Some Reds had been less than charitable in their appraisal of the Portuguese backflipper since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2007. The flashes of skill he had shown were too few and far between to justify his hefty transfer fee, they reasoned. But soon after the papers reported that he had angered Sir Alex after talking out of turn and was demanding to move during the transfer window, he hit a rich vein of form. His performances in the Carling Cup semi-final victory over City and the league win at Arsenal particularly caught the eye, and he continued to look like a potent attacking weapon for the Reds rather than the source of fan frustration. You get the feeling that this is a confidence player who will now go on to show what he is really made of.

Finest moment: Nani will be pleased to know that the Dubious Goals Panel has awarded him his effort at the Emirates against Arsenal. In a piece of individual brilliance, Nani’s jink between two defenders and effortless wrong-footing of another brought him face-to-face with Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia, allbeit at an impossibly acute angle. His exquisite lob, which Almunia could only palm into the net, would probably have gone in anyway, or if not been bundled over the line by the waiting Ji-sung Park.

What’s in store? He signed a new four-year deal at the end of March, and even if his stock rises further at the World Cup, it is unlikely that Sir Alex will let him go. Expect him to be an even more integral part of the manager's plans next season.

Valencia won’t sell off the Silva

MANCHESTER UNITED and Real Madrid have been told David Silva is not for sale.

The Valencia midfielder, 24, has been linked with a £30million move. But president Manuel Llorente insisted: "He will not leave."

TheSun

You Jav to Hern your place here

WE JAV TO WORRY ... Mexican ace is still waiting for a work permit

MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Javier Hernandez is still sweating on a work permit before rubber-stamping his £7million switch to Old Trafford.

The Mexican striker, 21, faces a hearing this week and United are praying they will be given special dispensation by the Home Office.

Hernandez gave English fans a glimpse of his talent during a cameo performance for his country at Wembley on Monday.

But he does not meet the regular criteria to be granted a permit as he has not played in 75 per cent of the games for Mexico's senior team in the last two years.

So United plan to highlight his 'exceptional ability' as their reason for trying to sign him.

TheSun

Player review: Carrick

Michael didn't reach his own high standards, but still showed his team value...

Story of the season The Reds' ever-changing midfield had Michael Carrick on his toes, even before December’s defensive injury crisis forced him into some unexpected moonlighting. Ultimately, he might consider this a frustrating campaign. He didn’t come racing out of the blocks, a slow start to the season capped with the disappointment of a missed penalty in the shock early defeat at Burnley. There were flashes of his undoubted class, but he didn’t consistently find the metronome rhythm that has made United’s midfield tick to his beat since arriving at OT in 2006. That said, his contribution to the team was still important. He covered valiantly during the defensive injury crisis. And the work done in December in particular was a vital part of why United were in contention for major honours in April and May - regardless of the outcome - and he bagged five goals in all competitions - only Paul Scholes scored more from a central midfield position.

Finest moment Against West Ham with some defensive reshuffling needed, Carrick replaced the injured Gary Neville in the first half and took up central defensive duties. The scores were locked at 0-0 at this point and it seemed like being a difficult afternoon at Upton Park. But Carrick performed like he’d played there all his life. United ended up winning 4-0, his contribution vital. He continued the role three days later in the 3-1 win away to Wolfsburg, earning him the moniker 'Carrickbauer' in reference to legendary German lynchpin Franz Beckenbauer.

What’s in store? His ability to control games, dictate the pace of play is a talent only the top midfielders possess. He has competition; Darren Fletcher is first-choice midfielder, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have vast experience, Owen Hargreaves will hopefully return, while Darron Gibson and Anderson have promise. But Carrick is rarely flustered, and he’ll enjoy the challenge of making the passer-in-chief job his own again next season.