Fabio And Rafael

[BrancoII]

The two Brazillian twins Utd signed from Fluminense, Fabio looks like a real gem in the making, scoring seven goals in the S.A U-17 Championships and leading Brazil to victory in the tournament.

[red pisces]

anyone know what positions these lads play?

[russe||]

If they are the two I'm thinking of one is a right back and one a left back.

Bookends!

[utd442]

very attacking wing backs , in the style of Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Marcelo, etc

[BrancoII]

I think this thread needs a bump after Rafael's performance the other day. Hopefully they get some minutes against Juve tonight.

[dukeofdavinci]

I think this thread needs a bump after Rafael's performance the other day. Hopefully they get some minutes against Juve tonight

pretty much, since we have about 9 1st team absentees due to various reasons and the rest of the 1st team needs some rest.so i say this one will be full of youths.

[kyan]

Meet the da Silva twins

The surprise first appearances of Fabio da Silva and Rafael da Silva in United's pre season friendly at Peterborough on Monday 4 August has left fans wanting to know more about the boys from Brazil.

How old are they?
The twin brothers turned 18 last month, a milestone which enabled the club to gain clearance for the pair to play. For the record, they were born on 9 July 1990 in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro - the spiritual home of Brazilian football.

What positions do they play in?
They are primarily full-backs - Rafael on the right, Fabio on the left. But the attacking ability and desire they demonstrated against Peterborough suggests that, like Patrice Evra, they would be equally adept at wide midfield.

Who did they play for previously?
The da Silva twins joined United from Fluminense, one of the four main football clubs in Rio (the others being Botafogo, Flamengo and Vasco da Gama). Legendary Fluminense players include the late Tele Santana, who went on to manage Brazil's World Cup squads of 1982 and 1986.

How did United find them?
The brothers were spotted by Les Kershaw, then Academy Manager, in the summer of 2005 while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament.

Have they played for Brazil?
Fabio captained and top-scored in the Under-17 World Cup finals in Korea. Rafael also impressed during the same competition in which Brazil were unfortunate to bow out at the last 16 stage. FIFA.com's report on their final game against Ghana says "Brazil's calm and intricate build-up play was impressive to behold as the imperious Fabio pulled the strings."

How does Sir Alex rate them?
"I think they're both excellent footballers, I really do. They've got great enthusiasm and desire to play the game. It's a typical Brazilian situation, they just love playing. They're quick and they're determined.

"What we don't know is their game appreciation because they haven't played for a year. Their old club Fluminense didn't play them because they were joining us. Then they joined us in January (2008) but it was too late for the work permit application.

"Their 18th birthday meant we could apply through international clearance which we got only a couple of days ago. We're all delighted for the kids because they've worked so hard in training, they never miss a session and I'm really hopeful they'll do well."

Manchester United Official Web Site - NEWS AND FEATURES - Features: Meet the da Silva twins

I've heard Fabio is supposed to be the better one, which if true would be insane because at the moment Rafael is looking like a genuine talent, very exciting player.

The report on the match v Juventus includes:

Rafael Da Silva came on at the start of the second half and made an immediate impression, crossing for Paul Scholes, who headed into the ground and over the bar from close range. It turned out to be the best chance of the match.

Just as Rafael did against Darren Ferguson’s side at London Road, he showed composure on the ball and a strong desire to get forward down the right flank. In fact, he had a hand in many of United's most threatening moves of the second period.

Manchester United Official Web Site - NEWS AND FEATURES - Football News: Report: Utd 0 Juventus 0

[usamu]

Rafael was magnificent today after coming on. How often to you see an 18 year old come on in front of 70,000 against Juve, and demand the football be played to him? And from a RB no less! He has limitless potential, the technique and attacking ability are already there, and he looks to be very good in the tackle as well, once he irons out his positioning, he's going to be amazing. He'll greatly benefit from a year in the reserves and some run outs in the Carling Cup and maybe the FA Cup, depending on the opposition. And as kyan mentioned, Fabio is supposed to be rated higher than Rafael!