Telegraph report on last night's U-21 match:
Manchester United's great new hope, Nani, tasted disappointment here in the Euroborg Stadium last night, but the £17 million man paraded enough pace and panache during Portugal's 2-1 defeat to Holland in the European Under-21 Championship to indicate that Old Trafford will not be disappointed when he arrives.
A showman in the making, Nani's traits range from the technical to the theatrical. Sir Alex Ferguson has bought the Stretford End a little box of tricks for the new season. If he settles in, learns under Ferguson, cuts out the brief bouts of rolling around, Nani will prove wildly popular.
Cristiano Ronaldo emerged from the Sporting Lisbon finishing school to delight United, and there is no reason why Nani cannot follow a similar path. Under Ferguson's eagle eye, youngsters invariably mature impressively.
The most scintillating left-sided force here last night was Feyenoord's terrific Royston Drenthe, a livewire who had the hordes of scouts scribbling furiously in their notebooks. But Nani definitely exuded an aura of class in this wonderfully modern stadium with an old-fashioned feel inside. Some people shook rattles. Some even smoked. Everyone appreciated Nani's potential.
The sinewy skills, and sudden changes of direction, were in evidence early, Nani showing awareness and touch to flick a ball through to Hugo Almeida, the initial spearhead of Portugal's 4-2-3-1 formation. Nani himself began on the left, but soon roamed across the line, even assuming the centre-forward responsibilities when Almeida drifted wide at one point.
Such clever movement, and particularly the pace that carries him around the pitch, occasionally worried Holland's defenders, who called on their midfielders to follow the Portuguese No 18. Nani himself did not seem to understand the concept of tracking back, and is unlikely to win many "tackle of the month'' competitions at Old Trafford. United's left-back, Patrice Evra, should not expect much protection.
Nani boasts lots of forward gears, but no reverse. Clearly for attacking use only, Nani was under orders to remain upfield when the team defended corners. At 20, he is raw, and may need time to understand the rigours and rhythms of the Premiership.
Although best on the left, Nani eagerly assumed a range of positions, and his right foot is no sheathed weapon. He even bent in a right-footed free-kick that momentarily troubled Holland's defence.
Already a full international and clearly not short of confidence, Nani kept instructing his midfielders and defenders where he wanted the ball delivered, but always accompanied by an appreciative signal of his team-mates' contribution.
Eager for possession, Nani dropped deeper as the first half wore on, searching for the ball as the nimble Dutch assumed control. After 33 minutes, Nani shook his head when Portugal's keeper, Paulo Ribeiro, flattened the lively Maceo Rigters, conceding a penalty converted by Ajax's excellent Ryan Babel.