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Former Manchester United star Nani is hoping to make his Melbourne Victory debut against his old club when the English giants play the A-League team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday night. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:05pm AEST.
Nani, 35, was unveiled as a marquee player this week and could be reunited on the field with the Red Devils, having played 230 times for the club between 2007 and 2015.
The Portuguese international said: “I would like to [play]. Obviously, I just arrived in the country and it’s a long flight. There are a lot of things to do to prepare. First of all, the body must be ready to compete because you want to give 100 per cent.
“As a player, I always want to play so give me five minutes and I will be ready! Let’s see. I need to work and prepare to be ready.
“I’m excited to be coming to the A-League with Melbourne Victory and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I have spoken with the coach, Tony [Popvic], and I know that Melbourne Victory is a club that wants to achieve success and I want to play a role in helping the team achieve that.
“From what I have seen, the fans in Melbourne are not only the best in the league but they rival the atmosphere in Europe and I’m looking forward to being a part of that on the field in a Victory shirt and playing for them this season.”
Popovic has been busy in terms of incomings with Tomi Juric, Paul Izzo and George Timotheou among those to arrive at the club.
The United game is the first of three they will play in Australia but the only one against domestic competition.
They beat Liverpool 4-0 in Bangkok earlier this week and will face Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in subsequent games.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to Australia, new coach Erik ten Hag has plenty of quality in his ranks.
He travelled to Thailand with a 31-man squad, with many of those playing against Liverpool.
There has been one change to the squad, with Axel Tuanzebe leaving due to a small personal issue, and youngster Will Fish being flown in.
England international Harry Maguire didn’t feature against Liverpool but is expected to start in Melbourne. Anthony Martial was man of the match against Liverpool while Jadon Sancho was also straight back into dazzling form.
Kick-off: 8:05pm AEST
Venue: MCG
TV/Stream: Network 10, 10Play
Odds: Victory $9.50, United $1.22, Draw $6.50 – odds via PlayUp
Predicted starting lineups
Melbourne Victory: Acton; Geria, Roderick, Timotheou, N Smith; Barnett, Brimmer, Broxham, Brillante; D’Agostino, Juric.
Manchester United: Heaton; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Malacia; Van de Beek, Fred, Fernandes; Elanga, Martial, Sancho
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