Fergie’s rap for naughty Nani

Aston Villa 1, Man United 1

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Nani has only himself to blame for missing the Carling Cup final.

The Portugal winger’s outstanding recent form has helped Manchester United exert some real pressure on Barclays Premier League title rivals Chelsea.

But Nani blotted his copybook in a big way during last night’s 1–1 draw at Aston Villa, leaping into a tackle with Stiliyan Petrov after just half an hour. Referee Peter Walton immediately brandished the red card.

Nani gets an automatic three–match ban — including the Wembley showpiece with Villa on February 28.

“He is not a malicious player but he has gone in with his foot raised off the ground and we cannot complain about it,’ said Ferguson afterwards..

United made light of the setback and looked far more likely to get a winner in the final hour.

Brad Friedel made a superb save to deny Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney went close with a couple of second–half efforts.

After Carlos Cuellar had opened the scoring with a long distance header, United drew level in what is becoming a familiar manner when Ryan Giggs’ cross–shot was turned into his own net by James Collins.

It was the Old Trafford side’s 10th own goal this season, an amazing figure, that trails only Wayne Rooney in the club scoring stakes.

Of far more relevance was the arm injury Giggs subsequently suffered in a collision with Steve Sidwell that leaves Ferguson sweating on the veteran Welshman ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League trip to AC Milan.