The Portugal star has made only six starts in the English Premier League this season but was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up for the second leg of United's Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid.

Nani was controversially sent off in that match but played a significant role in United's opening goal and has not been disheartened by his red card.

"Now my confidence is high and I think the best is still to come from me," Nani told reporters. "This is my time and I think I can be important for the team in these big games.

"Because I was injured for two months, I'm fresh now when some other players are starting to get tired.

"I feel I'm in good form and I've nearly arrived at my peak. I think over the next few games I can surprise a few people."

Above all, Nani is keen to earn the confidence of Sir Alex Ferguson, who criticised him after United's League Cup defeat against Chelsea earlier in the season.

Ferguson has since said he wants the former Sporting Lisbon man to remain at Old Trafford.

"I want to show the manager that he can trust me and he can believe in me in every match," Nani said.

"I want to show him my contribution can help win games. So I'll keep working hard to make sure I'm ready to respond every time I get a chance."