Rio Backs Nani For Top Award

Rio Ferdinand is backing Reds team-mate Nani to be named PFA Footballer of the Year.

The centre-back has previously championed the claims of Samir Nasri and Gareth Bale but is now convinced the United winger deserves the top gong for his efforts this season.

Nani has been in sparkling form all campaign, taking his game to the next level with a string of goals and assists. Rio can't vote for his team-mate but says he hopes Nani gets the recognition he deserves.


"Nani's my Player of the Year," Rio told Inside United. "I’ve gone on about Samir Nasri and Gareth Bale in the last few months, but Nani beats them both.

"He’s been involved in a crazy number of our goals this season – it’s ridiculous.

"He’s easily been our most productive player, without a doubt. Berba’s scored a lot of goals but when we’ve needed that little bit of magic Nani’s been the man to step up.

"He’s the kind of player who gets me off my seat: he’s exciting to watch and he always wants to beat his man, which is a great trait in an attacker. He always wants the ball, he’s determined and he scores regularly, too.

"I don’t think he gets the plaudits he deserves. A lot of people overlook him but he’s been as good as anybody else in the league this season."

Remember, fans around the world get the opportunity to vote for their own United Player of the Year later this week. Nemanja Vidic scooped the trophy last term,

Rio was speaking to Nick Coppack in an exclusive interview for the latest edition of Inside United.