The Next Star

Rafael was born in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro, and is very much a modern full-back; he loves to get forward down the right flank - but he's not all just Brazilian flair, he's made of tough stuff.

For some time fans have been aware of the "Brazilian Nevilles" as some have dubbed them, but it wasn't until 4 August 2008 that United supporters could experience the shining potential that these boys possess.

Rafael, who like his twin brother is a Brazilian youth international, was a somewhat surprise inclusion in the Reds' starting line-up against Peterborough in Barry Fry's testimonialmatch at Posh's London Road ground. Talk about taking your chance when it comes. Sir Alex described the 18-year-old's performance as "a sensation".

Finally, it was the end of one long journey from his former Brazilian club Fluminense, and the start of a new one with United.

What made Rafael's debut all the more startling was that he hadn't played for over a year. The Reds had been waiting for international clearance on the pair's transfer from Brazil, so they had been unable to play for United during that time and, in fact, didn't play any regular competitive football.You would never have guessed it. Rafael was tearing up and down the right touchline - perhaps exerting 12 months of frustration - throwing himself into tackles and getting forward to aid United's attacks in equal measure.

"It was a real eye opener for us," said a beaming Sir Alex. "He hadn't played for a year but he's played a full 90 minutes today. You know what football is like. Sometimes it turns up some star, a little nugget maybe. On the evidence of tonight I think we've got a good player here."

Both brothers were spotted by Les Kershaw, then Academy Manager, in the summer of2005 while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament.

The patience shown to wait for this chance with United suggests that Rafael will be undaunted by the challenges ahead, and his ten-minute cameo on his competitive debut on 17 August 2008 against Newcastle appeared to back up that claim. He looks set to be a squad regular during the 2008/09 campaign.

From www.manutd.com