Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Portuguese winger Nani has a future at the club.

The 26-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a ­hamstring problem, has not featured for the Red Devils in over seven weeks.

His current contract is due to expire in 18 months and he has so far refused to sign an extension.

Recent reports have claimed that Nani could leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window, however Ferguson is adamant that the player is going nowhere.

"Nani's contract isn't up until the end of next season – and we need him," Ferguson told The Mirror. "He offers something different from the other players we have. He's got an incredible talent, but, ­unfortunately, he's been injured.

"We have sent Nani over to Dubai for a break in the hope that it will help him with his recovery. I don't think we will have him back until the middle of January.

"He's never had a hamstring injury before and this is a bad one. But Nani has got a future here. Why would I want to let him go?"

Nani joined United from Sporting Lisbon in a £25.5m deal in July 2007.