Champions League, Manchester United, South America
Da Silva Lining
Rafael Da Silva - a seemingly unknown 18-year-old twin snapped up by Manchester United in January. But after starring once again in United's victory over Aalborg, Da Silva is hot property - and is a genuine full-time contender for the right-back spot.
Alex Ferguson intimated before the game with Aalborg on Tuesday evening that he would play his strongest available line-up for the match. That he then picked Rafael Da Silva as his first choice right back speaks volumes for the 18-year-old.
And it seems he is there largely on merit.
Whilst Gary Neville has a slight injury, most would have expected the Scot to go for the experience of Wes Brown for this potentially tricky away tie. Manchester United desperately needed three points after drawing their first game in the Champions League but Ferguson was prepared to play the relatively inexperienced but hugely talented Brazilian twin.
For my part, I’d play him every week, as I have never seen a surer thing at 18 years of age. Make no mistake, this lad is the most real of deals. In three games for United he doesn’t seem to have given the ball away once. His touch, speed and reading of the game illustrates perfectly the maxim that ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’.
Against Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup last week he did the defending part proficiently but also got forward at every opportunity, creating chance after chance in the same manner as the excellent Evra down the left.
He even had time to execute the sort of impossible back-heel that would have Eric Cantona green with envy. If he can continue at this level he will be impossible to exclude from the team. And Rafael has found the perfect manager in Ferguson – a man who has never been afraid to blood a youngster if he is of the standard required.
Age is but a number to the Scot.
Da Silva once again impressed in the match with Aalborg, offering an excellent attacking outlet as well as ensuring a clean sheet in a solid victory. His confidence was patent: he was never afraid to shoot for goal - and was close to opening his account on a couple of occasions - and came forward at any opportunity, assisting in Manchester United’s numerous forays forward.
Despite his youthfulness, it seems certain Da Silva will become another Old Trafford success. The sky is the limit for Rafael.
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is it true that his bro at right back was more highly rated last year?
Get over it Sir Alex, Gary is now useless and the same goes to Scholes,Giggs and John Oshea.Sorry to say that they are no match to be in the team anymore. MU have enough young talents to merge with the present players so please give them their chance to develope to their fullest.Ferdinand should take over the captaincy from now on because he has proven to be the strongest defender MU ever had.
peader - yep, Fabio is actually more highly rated, was Brazil U19s captain last year and scored a bundle of goals for them - so to see rafael shine here suggests that there’s great things to come from Fabio as well. I think we have our wing back positions settled for years to come…
Spot on! Couldn’t agree more, he was brilliant against Aalborg and brilliant in his other games too. Gary Neville and Wes Brown are nowhere near this guy. So cool on the ball, quick feet and a true Brazilian in how skillful he is. Every time he got the ball there was an air of anticipation. Superb!
His Bro is Captain of Brazil Under 19s or summert lyk dat but he plays Left back - Scoring quite a few goals
dont get confused. fabio is as good as rafael. hes out for a few months resting after a recent shoulder operation. so brace for the day the twins on both flanks in few months time. cant wait!
No. Rafael was the captain and more highly rated of the twins.
His brother Fabio, who actually plays at left back, is indeed more highly rated than his brother and was captain and top scorer for Brazil at the Under 17’s World Cup last year.
http://www.manutd.com says
FIFA’s official website heaped praise on the teenager after their game against Ghana. “Brazil’s calm and intricate build-up play was impressive to behold
as the imperious Fabio pulled the strings.”