Substitute Nani reminded manager Alex Ferguson of his qualities by inspiring Manchester United to a laboured 2-1 home win over Reading in the FA Cup fifth round last night.
The Portuguese winger was sent on just before half-time in place of the injured Phil Jones and scored United’s opener before setting up Javier Hernandez for the second.
The Premier League leaders dominated the match but struggled to make the breakthrough in the face of resolute Reading defending and a fine performance by goalkeeper Adam Federici.
Nani, linked with a move away from Old Trafford, grabbed the first with a cute volley from 12 metres after 69 minutes and his pinpoint cross set up Hernandez for a near-post header soon afterwards.
Reading refused to lie down and Jobi McAnuff pulled one back on 81 minutes with a neat finish.
The side third-bottom of the Premier League table continued to press forward but the hosts hung on.