City will struggle without Tevez

Posted Saturday, August 06, 2011 by The Sun

NANI last night told Roberto Mancini: You will struggle without Carlos Tevez.

Tomorrow, the Manchester United winger returns to Wembley - the scene of his biggest heartache since leaving Sporting Lisbon four years ago.

In May, United were played off the park by Barcelona in a one-sided Champions League final... and Nani did not even make the starting line-up.

But at least he will be there for the Community Shield showdown with Manchester City, which is more than Tevez will be as the Argentine remains at home following his efforts in the Copa America.

Many doubt City's talisman will turn up as scheduled on Monday.

And, with Inter Milan tipped to become his sixth club, Mancini is undoubtedly planning life without last season's 29-goal striker.

Nani, 24, was a team-mate of Tevez at Old Trafford.

He said: "I played with Carlos and he is an important player for any club.

"I don't know if he will stay at City but, if he does go, it will be a big problem for Mancini because of the way that he plays and his experience.

"The Community Shield is the first official title of the season and we want to win. And facing City makes the match more exciting.

"It's also our first derby of the season, so to lift the trophy would raise our morale and inflict pain on our rivals."

United fans are keen to see Nani in the flesh again.

He has long fluctuated between world-beater and wasted talent.

And despite 10 goals and a table-topping 18 assists, his use as a late substitute in the Champions League final - which Spanish giants Barcelona won 3-1 - suggested boss Alex Ferguson does not trust him in the truly big games.

On top of that, United have signed England winger Ashley Young and given Antonio Valencia a longer contract.

Italian outfit Juventus are the latest club to show an interest in signing Nani.

But the Portuguese international expects to grace Wembley again tomorrow after playing a starring role in United's 2-1 friendly win over Barca in Washington last weekend when he scored the opening goal.

He revealed: "I prefer to forget the rumours about other clubs being interested in me.

"I don't want to say too much but, if they are true, it's because I have been working well.

"But, sincerely, I am focused only on United.

"I speak with Mr Ferguson a lot - many times - and he is always very clear. He explains what he wants from me and I do everything to try and fulfil the mission.