Nani Salutes Reds' Resolve

Positivity, belief and momentum. United ticked all the usual boxes with a rousing come-from-behind Community Shield win over Manchester City at Wembley.

Match-winner Nani admitted the Reds’ comeback from a two-goal deficit hinged on Chris Smalling’s goal shortly after the interval, before the Portuguese winger went on to secure victory with a well-taken double.

“This is United,” Nani told Sky Sports. “We always play until the last minute. I think with the attitude from the young lads in the second half and everyone believed we could score.

“The manager said we just need to score the first goal and the game would be easier for us, and we did well. It’s good to play against Man City and win like that. I think the fans are proud of us and it’s a beautiful day. Now we just enjoy.”

The winger showed an ice-cool nerve in bagging his injury-time winner; rounding Blues goalkeeper Joe Hart and slotting home, but Nani admitted he had to rethink his plans before converting the chance.

“I was trying the chip,” he admitted, “but the goalkeeper stayed on his feet so at the last second I changed my mind!”