Is Nani Man Utd's loss, or just another Berbatov?

Portuguese winger Nani could end up being an outcast at Manchester united like Dimitar Berbatov who joined Fulham in frustration at warming the bench last season.

Berbatov became United's most expensive player when he joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 for 30.75 million pounds ($48.84 million), and was the Premier League's joint top-scorer in the 2010-2011 season with 20 goals.

But after being sidelined by Sir Alex Ferguson for much of last term, the Bulgarian striker said he was unhappy with the way the United manager had treated him in the final months of his four-year stay at Old Trafford.

"I went more than 10, probably 15, times to ask the coach if they need me. And every time I was told that I'm an important player and should not leave, but then again I was not in the team," he said.

"Maybe I should've gone when he (Ferguson) left me out of the squad for the Champions League final (in 2011). I know he's the boss, but he has lost, to some extent, my respect because of the way he treated me."

Perhaps Berbatov fell victim to a change in United's style of play.

"He (Ferguson) tried to explain to me that the team will be using a more direct style, with more speed," he said. "But I've never been among the fastest players, I like to hold the ball, this is my style.

Similarly, Nani is threatening to run down his contract before leaving for free, according to The Sunday Mirror.

The Portugal international is furious after United failed to offload him to Zenit St Petersburg against his wishes in midweek.

Nani priced himself out of a £25 million move, according to Russia Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov.

Nani has two years left on his current deal, and was hoping that ­United would offer him an extension worth £130,000-a-week.

But with Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Shinji Kagawa, Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie all capable of playing wide , Sir Alex ­Ferguson feels that Nani is surplus to requirements.

United boss Alex Ferguson has splashed out £45m on five players, including Robin van Persie, and club owners the Glazers are keen to trim the squad.

Nani, 25, has become frustrated at the collapse of talks over a new four-year deal.
 

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