Nani was a big threat against Roma and has a bright future at United, says Fergie

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The 21-year-old has not even made the bench at times during his maiden Premier League campaign as he operates in the shadow of fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, he was one of the most effective performers in United's encouraging 1-1 Champions League draw with AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico last night and while he is unlikely to start Sunday's blockbuster showdown with Liverpool at Anfield, Ferguson is confident Nani has a big future with the club.

Nani (right) impressed against Roma and Sir Alex Ferguson believes he has settled in well at Old Trafford

"Nani is settling in very well at our club. When we brought him here, we told him he would not play all the time," said Ferguson.

"We will get injuries as the season goes on.

"But the times he has played, Nani has done well, particularly in the first-half tonight when he was a big threat."

Despite fielding a team which - captain Wayne Rooney aside - will almost certainly be completely changed for the trip to Merseyside, United came within 19 minutes of recording only their third win on Italian soil.

Spain Under-21 defender Gerard Pique put the Red Devils ahead with a firm header just past the half hour mark.

Had Louis Saha finished off a Wayne Rooney through-ball, United would surely have gone on to win.

Instead, Mancini levelled with an excellent second half effort to end the Red Devils' 100 per cent record in the competition.

"I am very satisfied with the overall performance, although I was a bit disappointed in the second-half because we gave away the ball too much," said Ferguson.

Sadly, the game was overshadowed by more trouble outside the stadium.

Five United fans needed hospital treatment for stab wounds and another two were arrested, proving that while the violence was not comparable to that which erupted on United's last visit in April, the scourge of hooliganism still remains.

"This is something we hoped would not happen," said Ferguson.

"We wanted a nice quiet trip and to be able to go home with no incident. It is disappointing that has not happened.

"Obviously, we are not sure of the details but we hope the supporters concerned will be okay."