Nani has confirmed that a dressing down from Sir Alex Ferguson has prompted him to cut-out his ball-juggling antics.

The Portuguese winger infuriated Arsenal’s players when playing ‘keepie-uppie’ towards the end of Manchester United’s 4-0 FA Cup win over The Gunners. A number of Arsenal players made their feelings known to Nani and he has revealed Ferguson also took a dim view of the incident.

“In Portugal I have done this many times but it is only because it is an entertaining spectacle and not because I disrespect my rivals,” the 21-year-old told the Daily Mail.

“I am a professional and am always very respectful with all the opposing players, but I do appreciate now that it may have looked bad. After the match Ferguson spoke to me and demanded that I do not repeat it in order to avoid problems. Obviously, I agreed. I always follow the orders of my coach and am not interested in causing controversy.”