Nani is no longer secure in United’s starting lineup. Despite establishing himself in spectacular style this season, the return from injury of Antonio Valencia and Ji-Sung Park and the evergreen performances of Ryan Giggs, have presented Alex Ferguson with the opportunity to rest and rotate. To compound matters, the United boss has every need to explore such options given the schedule in front of his team following last night’s Champions League progress.

United’s fixture list will see them face a Champions League semi-final on April 26/27. Before that first leg they will face Everton at Old Trafford, while they will have the crunch visit to Arsenal prior to the second leg on May 3/4 . Clearly then, Ferguson has to rotate his troops when it comes to the forthcoming schedule – we have to wonder how this will affect Nani given that sudden arrival of a plethora of options in the wide roles.

We know that Ferguson is a huge fan of Antonio Valencia – we also know that he has come to rely on Ji-sung Park for high-pressure occasions, while the substantial influence of Ryan Giggs has also be rolled out for big matches.

Nani’s inclusion in the starting lineup for last night’s second leg with Chelsea would seem to indicate that the Portuguese winger will be earmarked for European matches – perhaps utilised as an impact sub for domestic duties. Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with City should offer more clues – it could be that both Valencia and Park will start that one, which could mean that Nani will return for the gameweek 33 clash with Newcastle next Tuesday.

We’re dealing with speculation right now however – it’s too early to spot a definite pattern to Ferguson’s thinking. What is certain is that Nani is far from nailed-on for regular starts in United’s remaining league matches. At this stage of the season, with an array of attractions available elsewhere, this becomes a significant issue for Fantasy Managers. Let’s discuss the options available…

Plan A:

Hold tight. Undoubtedly the preferred route for those protecting a mini-league lead – Nani is an explosive Fantasy player, capable of double figure hauls that can rejuvenate a flagging gameweek. Why take a risk with shedding such an asset?

United have six league matches remaining, Nani will be expected to start three to four of these at the very least. He also has the talent to come from the bench and score heavily with limited pitch-time.

Plan B:

Wait and see. As mentioned, there’s no definitive pattern to Ferguson’s thinking as yet. Having started against Chelsea, there’s every chance that he’ll be left on the bench in the Cup semi to return to the starting lineup when it matters most to Fantasy Managers – at Newcastle on Tuesday. If that isn’t the case, then we can assess the situation again. It’s not as if he was an FPL captaincy candidate in the gameweek.

Plan C:

Get rid now. With double gameweeks for both Chelsea and Arsenal and with Charlie Adam about to embark on a run of four home matches in the next five, midfield spots in our Fantasy squad are too precious. Can we really carry a player who may or may not turn up on the teamsheet each week? Besides, if we need United coverage – Wayne Rooney, surely a guaranteed starter, looks to be our man.

Here’s a theory to back it up. Nani is set to be used to unlock defences for Old Trafford matches – as opponents turn up and park players behind the ball. Away from home, Ferguson could prefer the industry and defensive cover offered by Valencia and Park – the recent West Ham lineup would certainly suggest as much. If this theory holds true, Nani has three remaining home matches – against Everton prior to the Champions League semi, against Chelsea (in which Ferguson may still rely on Valencia/Park/Giggs for the big occasion) and against Blackpool (but which time the title could be won with foot very much removed from the gas). Can we count on heavy returns for Nani in those three matches?

For Fantasy Managers chasing a mini-league gap, this looks to be a potential end of season differential. If leaders cling to Nani, those chasing must surely look to shed him and invest elsewhere. There’s every chance that the allegiance to Nani could make or break the final six gameweeks. It’s a gamble either way, but it’s a chink of light for those hoping for an end of season turnaround. That would be an ironic contribution from a player who has lit up our Fantasy season and surpassed all expectations.