NANI took advantage of his manager's absence to treat a capacity 14,000 crowd to a gymnastics exhibition after firing home a superb effort in Belfast.

The goal could easily force Nani into Ferguson's starting line-up againt Reading on Sunday but, with Sir Alex Ferguson due back in the dugout at Old Trafford, it seems a fair bet the Portugal international will not be repeating the acrobatics.

A packed Oval, drawn by the most glamorous visitors possible to celebrate their 125th anniversary, were treated to a majestic United stroll.

But the crowd were denied the opportunity of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo, who pulled out with a minor ankle injury.

It took just five minutes for United to seize the initiative, Lee Martin snapping up possession following Colin Nixon's mistake, then floating over a cross which Frazier Campbell expertly volleyed home.

Campbell has impressed during United's pre-season campaign, even if the striker will have to wait until the Reds venture into the Carling Cup next month before he tastes senior action again.

Pass

It was Campbell who supplied the final pass for his side's second goal, laying the ball off to an overlapping Patrice Evra, who belted home.

With just 14 minutes on the clock it looked like becoming a humiliating landslide for the Glens on their historic night.

Thankfully, Michael Dougherty made a couple of timely saves, allowing the Northern Irish outfit to build something of a defensive barricade.

They needed it too as Nani, Anderson and Michael Carrick weaved pretty patterns outside the box.

Despite the pressure, Glentoran did manage a couple of attacks themselves, Daryl Fordyce bravely throwing himself at one Gary Hamilton cross, only to connect firmly with the far post rather than the ball.

The first-half highlight came 10 minutes before the break as Nani fired home in impressive fashion.

Having apparently heeded Sir Alex's advice to stop his trademark celebrations, it was something of a surprise to see Nani complete his celebrated double somersault.

The second period, which saw Glentoran field almost a completely different side, was a fairly uneventful, although Nemanja Vidic was forced off after taking a blow to his head.

Paul Leeman did hook Martin's effort off the line and China international Dong Fangzhou was also off target after being presented with a decent opportunity.

Would you start with Nani on Sunday? Have your say.