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
Glen
Guest
!!!!! Just realised there was a game on! Pity i missed it!
Grem
Roar Rookie
Was at the game tonight. Very enjoyable and Victory did well. A good goal, but a couple of unfortunate errors didn't help. Ikonomides and Folami were great. Another great night of football.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
It was a terrific event at the MCG tonight, whilst there may not have been much at stake, it certainly provided plenty of entertainment and gave many Australian fans a night to remember. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..4
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for the coverage and be sure to stick with the Roar for all the football action to follow over the following week. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..4
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME Tonight was a night for the Manchester United fans based in Australia but also a chance for the Victory folks to enjoy the challenge of facing one of the biggest clubs in the world. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..4
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME Australia is enjoying a wonderful period of international football visitation and Manchester United will have a few more opportunities to impress fans before departing and beginning their EPL campaign in August. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..4
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME Manchester United have flexed their muscles and shown their polish with a comfortable win over the Melbourne Victory. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..4
Tigertown
Guest
Thanks for the blog, Stu. Us football fans have been spoilt recently. Cheers 10 Play. Tara, it’s back to you.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+1 Three minutes are to be added? Why? Anyway, that was a sad way for the Victory to finish, nothing like a late own goal to rub salt into the wound. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..4
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90' GOAL!!!!!!!! United made inroads down the right and the ball crossed the line after a deflection from a Victory defender. OWN GOAL!!!! Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..4
Tigertown
Guest
1-4. Oh goodness. Own goal? Victory... No. Jeepers.
Nick Symonds
Guest
"A splendid moment for Australian football" - Commentator
Stuart Thomas
Expert
89' United continue to dominate possession, happy to let this one run down and prepare for two further matches in Australia next week. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
88' This will be a short stint for Nani but the crowd certainly loved his entrance. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
87' Rashford takes the shot from distance and Victory will take the goal kick after it flashes by the woodwork. Brimmer off and Nani on!!!! Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..3
Tigertown
Guest
Gotta give Nani more than five minutes, surely.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
86′ Nani into the action for Melbourne Victory. More symbolic than anything but great to have a player of his quality in the country. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
85' Victory fire a ball into the box from the right but it runs long and out of play on the near side. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
84' Miranda is booked for the foul on half-way as United seek to break. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
83' Now Rashford with the header from close range.....Izzo saves. Melbourne Victory………1 Manchester United……..3