[Mafan]

Nani tipped for the top

Former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund star Paulo Sousa says Portugal and United could have two players that "can become the best in the world".

Now assistant coach with the Portuguese national team, who he made 51 appearances for, Sousa says Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani can be a dominant force for club and country for years to come.

While Ronaldo is already ranked among the finest in the world alongside the two Brazilians, Barcelona's Ronaldinho and AC Milan's Kaka, Nani is full of potential, according to Sousa.

"Nani is very explosive and very strong. He's fast and is going to be a great signing for United," he told BBC Sport. "I think that in the next five or 10 years, he and Cristiano Ronaldo can become the best players in the world."

However, while Ronaldo can play on either flank or up front, Sousa thinks that Nani is a direct long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs on the left.

"Cristiano can play anywhere and is very strong on both feet whereas Nani is basically a left-sided player," he said.

And the competition and experience of playing alonsgide players like Giggs will help Nani develop. "He is still young but has progressed very quickly," added Sousa. "He will face strong competition at Manchester which should help him progress."

Nani, who last week passed a medical and was given a tour of Old Trafford, is waiting for the final formalities to be completed before he can officially claim to be a United player.