MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United star Nani was hoping Monday to shine against English Premier League (EPL) opposition in Europe after admitting he was disappointed not to be a contender for the league’s Player of the Year award.
The Portuguese winger was a surprise omission from the seven candidates for the Professional Footballers’ Association’s senior award despite being nominated for the Young Player of the Year award.
Nani made it 18 assists for the season after setting up both goals in Saturday’s win over Fulham to keep United on course for the EPL title. He will hope for another influential performance against EPL rival Chelsea on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final return leg.
United teammate John O’Shea admitted his shock at Nani’s omission for the top award and the 24-year-old winger conceded he was upset at not being in the running for the prize.
“I think I have been doing well, so I am disappointed not to be there,” said Nani. “But there’s still a lot of work to do this season. I am strong and hope to focus on my improvements every season and I hope to have more opportunities.
“I don’t like to speak about other players or people who make decisions,” he added. “If I want to be there, I have to show that on the pitch. Of course, everyone has an opinion, and I hope next time people will look more to me and what I am doing, if I am doing well.”
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