Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was thrilled with Nani's performance in yesterday's 4-1 victory over Middlesbrough.

"He doesn't score tap-ins," Sir Alex joked on MUTV. "He's a thunderbolt-hitter. It was a fantastic goal and Nani's coming along very nicely. I thought it would be refreshing to use him today instead of Ryan Giggs. I've got next Saturday to think about [so I rested Ryan] but Nani came on and had a good impact."

The 20-year-old had a hand in most of the Reds' meaningful attacks, particularly in the first half, and his contribution didn't escape striker Wayne Rooney.

"He came in today and did really well," Rooney said. "His goal was a great strike - it bent and dipped all over the place."