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In signing a young Portugese winger, Sir Alex Ferguson was obviously hoping that lightning would strike twice.

Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo will perhaps always follow the young man from the Cape Verde Islands, especially as Ronaldo preceded him at Sporting Lisbon and then left some fairly sizeable shoes to fill at Old Trafford.

He made his debut in the 2005-06 season, making 32 appearances and grabbing five goals. His second season was similarly successful, again scoring five, and making 29 appearances. Season 2006-07 also saw him make his Champions League bow.

His form for his club, and his country, for whom he made his debut in September 2006, saw him attract the attention of clubs across Europe before United stole a march on Spurs, widely believed to be his final destination, to sign him on a trip to Portugal in May 2007 that also saw chief exec David Gill sign Brazilian star Anderson.

Nani is believed to have cost £17m and celebrated his move by playing for his country's Under-21 team at the European championships.

Nani soon lit up the Premier League with some fine displays, even if he had to be content with a place on the bench most of the time. United fans will particularly remember his juggling antics in the FA Cup which frustrated a thumped Arsenal so much.

With a Premier League title and a Champions League medal in his pocket after a debut season of 41 appearances and four goals. He was part of the Portugal squad at Euro 2008, appearing three times as the nation went out in the quarter-finals.

With Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Madrid in summer 2009, many United fans felt Nani was good enough to make the step up without the need to sign a replacement. Fergie, however, did not agree and bought in Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan on the wings. - although Nani started the season in decent form and kept his place in the side.