The extracts on this page are taken from selected national newspapers. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United.
Nani can fill Ronaldo's boots
Amid the confusion of his controversial goal, it was easy to overlook Nani's contribution to a 2-0 Manchester United win. The Portugal winger's performance was not good enough to support his bold claim that he is one of the world's top players, but it provided further evidence that he has matured into a man worthy of succeeding Cristiano Ronaldo. His goal against Spurs may go down as one of the most bizarre of this or any other season, but it required a presence of mind lacking in many players. The debate that followed neglected to mention it was Nani's fifth goal this season – as many as he scored in the last campaign. It also diverted attention from the fact his delivery for Nemanja Vidic's opener kept him top of the Premier League's assist charts with eight. Nani said: “As a player I think I'm close to being as complete as I can be. Now I can say I'm one of the top players in the world. Maybe United's fans are seeing the real Nani. They are happy with me and I am happy with myself – but I want to do even more.”
Chris Wheeler, Daily Mail
Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has instructed his United squad to return from Bursa with three points and Champions League qualification virtually in the bag. The boss is quoted in the Manchester Evening News: “If we win the match we have 10 points and that’s us really qualified. I have to look at it that way.”
Michael Carrick echoes a similar sentiment in The Telegraph (and here on ManUtd.com), and pours scorn on suggestions that Europe's premier competition is descending in quality. "In terms of the stature and history of the clubs, it might not be as good, but the games are still tough, especially away from home.”