Nani ready for Young competition

Manchester United winger Nani has welcomed Ashley Young to Old Trafford despite the threat the former Aston Villa man poses.

Young, 25, last week completed a 16-million-pound move to the English Premier League champions, where he is expected to compete with Young for a place on Sir Alex Ferguson’s team sheet.

The England international is one of the best providers in the league, second only to Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas for assists over the past five years.

On the eve of Young’s signing it was reported that Nani was perturbed and considering his options, however the incumbent winger has now insisted he is not concerned by the new arrival.

“Of course I have to welcome everyone they sign, I think Man United is a fantastic club,” said Nani from Singapore, where he is promoting the Peter Lim Scholarship scheme for the Singapore Olympic Foundation.

“When they bring in new players, they know if it is good for the team or not, and this (Young signing) has to help them. It is good for the team – we want more (players) to help us to win trophies.”

Nani also said he had the fight in him to keep Young on the substitutes’ bench, pointing to his experience jostling for playing time with former United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’ve been there (at United) when Cristiano was there. Cristiano was one of the best players in the world. At that moment (I had no) worries about him (taking my place),” Nani said.