Nani: Ronaldo needs Man Utd; he needs energy of Fernandes and Pogba behind him | OneFootball

Nani admits he made contact with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after his two-goal performance against Newcastle United.

Nani is now playing in the USA as captain of Orlando City. He played with Ronaldo during the latter's first spell at Old Trafford and also for the Portugal national team.

The midfielder says he's delighted for Ronaldo over his decision to re-sign for United - though insists the 36 year-old striker needs his new teammates as much as they need him.

Quoted by AS, Nani revealed: “I congratulated him by text message because he must be congratulated, since he is still a champion, despite everything he has achieved, the player he has become and the name he has. Despite all that he has done in football, he never ceases to impress, to run behind, to make people talk and to continue to prove himself.

"I think he will do very well together with Bruno Fernandes, (Paul) Pogba and all those stars who play for Manchester United. They will help him because he needed a team that could also, at this point in his career, give him a push in another direction."

Indeed, Nani points out United have a team equipped to bring out the best in their new signing, stating that it will be crucial for Ronaldo to be close to the goal as much as possible for the transfer to be a success.

Before last night's Champions League defeat for United at Young Boys of Berne, Nani also said: "He will need energy behind him to cover him at certain moments, to defend him and to help him get the ball closer to the goal because, in those moments, he is deadly."

- updated September 15