Former Portugal star Nani and Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson were not on the same wavelength when it came to their predictions over one player.
Sir Alex Ferguson brought Nani to the Red Devils after Manchester United signed the former Portugal international from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP in 2007.
Nani arrived in the same 2007 summer window as Anderson, who was signed from Porto, and the pair cost United a combined transfer fee of around £30m.
The former Sporting CP player was a United fan favourite during his spell at Old Trafford and ascended to cult hero status, with Nani impressing at times for United.
Nani lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two League Cups under Sir Alex Ferguson before the former United manager retired in 2013.
The former United and Portugal winger continued his career at United after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement before Nani’s inevitable departure from Old Trafford in 2015.
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Former Portugal star Nani looks on during the Europa League match between Manchester United and Athletic Club at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Nani could not see eye to eye with Sir Alex Ferguson over one point made about Man Utd and Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo
Nani shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo during his time under Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and on the international stage with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time and the 40-year-old Portuguese forward has had a remarkable playing career.
The United and Portugal legend’s club future had been in doubt in recent months ahead of his previous deal with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr expiring this summer.
Ronaldo signed a new deal with Al Nassr in June and extended his stay in Saudi Arabia, with the former United superstar ending the speculation around his future.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is widely tipped to play for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup and Nani is convinced that he will cross paths with the player there.
When asked if he plans to see Ronaldo at the next World Cup, Nani told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo: “I’m counting on him, he didn’t say no. So, he’ll be there.”
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What did Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson say about Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal at the 2026 World Cup?
Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo played in his 12th major tournament for Portugal in 2024 after he captained Portugal at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Portugal reached the knockout rounds of the European tournament before Roberto Martinez’s men were knocked out of the tournament by France in the quarter-finals.
Ferguson was asked about Ronaldo amid Euro 2024 and whether or not he could see the former Juventus and Real Madrid star playing at the 2026 World Cup.
“I can’t imagine that,” he told Sport Bild in 2024.
“Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller.
“In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older.”
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted in North America and matches will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with Argentina defending their title next year.