02 May, 2010

Nani, I Apologize

An open letter to Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha (Nani):

Dear Nani,
     Sir Alex promised us that you were a player for the future when you were purchased from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2007.  Following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, you were touted as "the new Ronaldo."  That is a hard act to follow, although you've tried; styling your hair like him, wearing clothes identical to him, sporting the same jewelry, and even driving the same car.  But being Cristiano is a difficult thing.  So many players fail miserably when emulating another, and Cristiano is...well...Cristiano.
During your first season you were on fire and produced some wonderful play that warranted the promise made by Sir Alex.  But since then you have shown spotty form and incurred the wrath of those who needed the promise to come to fruition, with your predecessor and mentor bolting for Espanha.
I have been a vocal critic of your wanton fireballs that grazed the heads of the Stretford End faithful, and looked on in horror as you vocally criticized your boss in a newspaper interview.  I'm sure you learned your lesson from that episode, as your tush warmed the cush of the substitute box.
But...I hereby apologize for my lack of faith in your form.  Scoring five goals in the last six matches has made me think that maybe...just maybe...you might be worthy of the United shirt you wear.
With that said, I am proud of you for not folding ( a la Anderson) and bolting out of town with your tail between your legs.  But as you know, your continued good form will be the only thing that solidifies your starting spot for the World's Best Football Club.
I have a feeling that you've been burning up the phone lines between Cheshire and La Finca; and that the perma-tanned former number seven gave you some valuable advice.....stop trying to be me and play with your heart.

Sincerely,
Susana

Nani scored the only goal in United's match at Sunderland, thus keeping our slim chances of an unprecedented fourth-straight and nineteenth Prem League title in sight.  With one game left, C-Club will have to draw or lose at home to Wigan, while we have to win at home against Stoke.  Weirder things have happened, I suppose.  But as David Beckham said, "it doesn't matter what players are on the pitch, with a few minutes to go and down 2-0, United never stop believing..." 

...and neither will I.


Berba rues one of his many missed gilt-edged goals


Nani supplies the winner in minute 28


And is congratulated by the back four: Vida, Evra, Evans, and O'Shea


Owen Hargreaves makes his first appearance in 18 months...for 26 seconds
  

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