With Manchester United on course to win their 20th league title barring them blowing a big points gap for the second consecutive season, not many Manchester United fans can argue that three players have contributed more than most to this league title, the English lynchpin in Michael Carrick, the Dutch maestro Robin Van Persie and the full of confidence, new number 2.. Rafael Da Silva.
He and his twin brother, Fabio Da Silva agreed to move to Manchester United back in 2007 without even having played a match for Fluminese's first team however moved to United only in 2008 but were unable to play for Manchester United until they both turned 18. At this time, Gary Neville and Patrice Evra had the right back and left back slots nailed down as their own however this would not deter the Brazilian pair from attempting to break through into the first team.
With Rafael making his debut for the first team in the league a year before his brother(Fabio's was delayed due to a calf injury), many MUFC fans were hoping this young, bushy haired Brazilian would become as good as right backs that have come before him in Brazils first team such as Cafu, Maicon and most recently, Dani Alves of Barcelona. However fans of Manchester United have had to wait quite a long time to see the best of the player.
Sir Alex Ferguson had decided in the past to put his faith into the young right back in quite frankly, very big games for our club including the second leg of the UEFA Champions League against Bayern Munich in April 2010 when, as Sir Alex put it "he absolutely dominated Franck Ribery" until being sent off for a shirt tug in the second half. Manchester United went on to draw the tie 4-4 however went out on the away goals rule.
He and his brother Fabio had previously started in quite frankly, a team full of young players in a FA Cup semi final in 2009, a cup Manchester United haven't won since 2004, where the twins themselves didn't do that bad but United went on to lose the tie on penalties.
Rafael also got himself sent off for two booking against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane and was warned about his future conduct. Manchester United fans had become accustomed to his fiery temperament and rashness in challenges however the latter pretty much was forgotten by most Manchester United fans when Rafael squared up to cross-town rival, Carlos Tevez in the Manchester Derby! [Pictured below]
United first choice right back for over a decade, Gary Neville decided to retire in 2011 however Rafael didn't become Uniteds number 2 till the current 2012-2013 season and he's seemingly took off where Gary Neville left, linking up with Antonio Valencia on the right flank. However with United's wingers being off the boil this season, Rafael has actually become MUFC's most attacking threat when it comes to attacking down the wings!
Having tested himself against what could only be described as a plethora of the worlds best attacking talent since his move to Manchester United in Frank Ribery and most recently this season, former United hero Cristiano Ronaldo, this Brazilian can be genuinely proud of the amount of progress he has made for the reds.
Few could argue that he can be denied the Young PFA player of the year award for the second time in his career however, Gareth Bale like Rafael, has a strong case for that.
This season, Rafael has done his reputation wonders with exquisite goals coming against rivals Liverpool, a well took finish against Fulham back in 2012 and recently what BBC journalist Dan Walker described as a "thronker", not to mention his main duties in defense when needed. At the age of just 22, Rafael Da Silva has made 100 appearance for Manchester United, a feat not many Manchester United players have managed at such a tender age and with the guidance with experienced defenders such as Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and coaches at Manchester United, this young Brazilian and hopefully his brother will hopefully go on to become established starters for club and country.
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