Reds boss sticks up for under-fire Nani

MANCHESTER United boss David Moyes has jumped to the defence of Portuguese winger Nani after he was booed off during his side’s thrilling 3-2 Barclays Premier League win over Stoke City at Old Trafford.

Frustration had spilled over among the home fans as the visitors maintained their shock lead heading towards the hour mark - and they made their displeasure known as Nani went off in the 58th minute.

Nani has been criticised for ineffectual performances this season after signing a new five-year contract in the summer.

But Moyes insisted: “He is a regular and captain for Portugal so he is very talented. There were one or two decisions he might have made better, but he got us the (first) goal with a lovely ball.”

Moyes was keen to play down the significance of a victory which keeps United eight points off the lead and, following the midweek UEFA Champions League win over Real Sociedad, goes some way to atoning for their sluggish start to the new campaign.

United’s familiar frailties were on show again in a turbulent first period in which Peter Crouch gave the visitors a shock third-minute lead, then Marko Arnautovic took moments to put the Potters back in front after Robin van Persie had bundled home an equaliser.

Wayne Rooney flicked a 78th minute equaliser from a Van Persie corner then substitute Javier Hernandez proved United’s hero two minutes later when he headed home a Patrice Evra cross.

Moyes insisted: “It was a win in the Premier League. They are hard to come by and they are not easy.

“It was a big moment to win the game and hopefully we will continue to win games.

“If it’s in the same fashion then we’ll take it, but if we can make it a bit easier it will be great for the old ticker.”