Brazilian midfielder Anderson has conceded that Manchester United may have struggled to defeat Reading in the FA Cup last night had it not been for Nani.

Portuguese winger Nani started the tie on the bench, but was called upon just before half time by Sir Alex Ferguson to replace Phil Jones, who was forced off with an ankle injury.

Having struck the post before the break, Nani went on to score and then set up Javier Hernandez as United overcame their fellow Premier League opposition 2-1.

"Everybody knows the quality of Nani," Anderson told MUTV. "I know he sometimes does not play but when he does he is important for the team. He won the game for us and he was very important."

Nani and Anderson both joined United in the summer of 2007.