Nani ready to step up for United

Manchester United winger Nani hopes to play more once Cristiano Ronaldo departs for Real Madrid in an £80million transfer.

Ronaldo's move to the Bernabeu is expected to be confirmed in the next few days.

"Ronaldo was a very important player for us but now my opportunity has come," Nani said to Portuguese sports newspaper OJOGO.

"The time has come (for Manchester United) to put their trust in me."

Ronaldo's world-record transfer has taken a lot of people by surprise considering the financial crisis in Spain and around the world.

"It's a fantastic fee," the 22-year-old added.

"It puts a new value on Ronaldo.

"We are talking about an excellent player, so I think it (the fee) is fair."

Ronaldo is the FIFA World Player of the Year and has won numerous titles with Manchester United.

"He deserves everything that has happened to him considering what he has accomplished in recent years," said Nani, who will remain a team-mate of Ronaldo's in Portugal's national side.

"Real Madrid is a great club and I wish him luck."

Manchester United have proved time and again that they can overcome the loss of key players, although Ronaldo will be hard to replace.

"We will have to rely on other stars," he said.