Nani to stay at United despite arrival of Young

(REUTERS)

Manchester United will not be offloading Nani following Ashley Young's £17m arrival at Old Trafford.

With Young signing a five-year contract with United yesterday, it has been suggested Nani's time at the club is coming to an end. Although the Portugal winger claimed more assists than anyone else in the Premier League last term, and was named United's players' player of the year, the return of Antonio Valencia from injury in March reduced his involvement.

Nani then failed to make Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up for last month's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, leading to fresh speculation about his future.

However, it is understood United will not allow what they regard as key men to leave. There will be casualties, and it is hard to see Sunderland targets Darron Gibson and Wes Brown remaining beyond the end of August.

When his squad returns to training at the start of next month, though, Ferguson will be assuring Nani of his position in the Scot's plans for the future, and trying to convince his players they can meet the challenge Barcelona set with their devastating Wembley performance.

Ferguson's spending will go beyond £50m once a deal for Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea is completed.

De Gea will be part of the Spain side that attempts to secure the European Under-21 Championship by beating Switzerland tomorrow, after which his transfer is expected to be tied up.