Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to reassure Nani that he still has a future at Manchester United.

It had been proposed that the Portuguese winger could be forced out of Old Trafford following the recent arrival of Ashley Young from Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old's future has been the subject of speculation all summer after he started the Champions League final against Barcelona on the bench.

However, Ferguson is adamant that former Sporting Lisbon midfielder remains in his plans.

"Nani did really well the whole of last season, but [Antonio] Valencia came back and his form was so good it was difficult to leave him out of the team," Ferguson told press during United's tour of America.

"He is a good player and his personality is improving. We will be challenging next season and will play a lot of games.

"Nani was unfortunate not to be picked for the Champions League final, but he is still young and is maturing all the time."

Nani provided the highest number of assists in the Premier League last season, laying on 18 goals.