Nani is battling for his future at Manchester United.

The Daily Mai says Nani faces a big battle to resurrect his crumbling Old Trafford career after leaving the ground early following his substitution by Sir Alex Ferguson against Tottenham on Saturday evening.

Nani was a surprise choice on the left side of midfield and - after a dreadful 45 minutes - was replaced by Carlos Tevez with United 2-0 down and struggling.

And last night it emerged that the 22-year-old did not even bother to watch the conclusion of his team's remarkable 5-2 victory, choosing instead to make an early exit that will not have impressed Ferguson.

Nani, who insists he left only after United's fifth goal, said: "I accept why the manager substituted me and the team was better in every way in the second half, but I was not responsible for the poor performance in the first half.

"I have no problem with the manager but I am still in my apprenticeship here.'

Nani has started just six Premier League games this season and failed to finish one, but he insists he will succeed.

"I am at the best club in the world and my dream is a fixed place in the starting line-up. Injuries have stopped me showing my best this season but no one can doubt my professionalism and passion for the club."