...and he's young and learning.
Rafael
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
My position exactly. Evra is hardly brilliant defensively, but he usually gets the job done. We rarely concede goals because of Evra, and not half as often as we score goals largely because of his offensive prowess.
Didn't you point out that Bosingwa has been a bit average in the Prem so far?
Rafael (and Fabio) will be very good full backs for us. Attacking wise, they are bloody brilliant. Against Aalborg Rafael did not look out of place. He gave us the mobility and speed of Evra on the right. However there are a few concerns. Defensively he is a bit raw and positionally he does get caught out. But training with Neville and Brown will help him to add those extra qualities to his roster. The future looks bright.
They were wing-backs with Fluminense, I believe. It's why sometimes they're not the brightest sparks when defending - they're used to having a back 3 rather than a back 2. It's partly the reason why they make such good wingers - they really do have some of the best attributes to be wingers.
My understanding is that although Fábio is less "rugged", he's more "classy" and so does more attacking moves, and might be closer to Anderson than, say, Evra or Nani.
However, they are twins and they've played on opposing flanks and to me there won't be a great deal different about the two. Of course, they could "evolve" the way Gary and Phil Neville did.
My understanding is that although Fábio is less "rugged", he's more "classy" and so does more attacking moves, and might be closer to Anderson than, say, Evra or Nani.
However, they are twins and they've played on opposing flanks and to me there won't be a great deal different about the two. Of course, they could "evolve" the way Gary and Phil Neville did.
He was a real surprise today. Played like he'd been in the team for ages. Dribbling, passing, crosses.....spot on. I'm more excited about him than about Berbatov.
The Guardian has Rafael as 3" shorter than Fabio, 5'8" against 5'11". Are those heights correct?
Rafael's dribbling was almost Messi-esque against Aalborg. He possesses fantastic instinctive ability with the ball at his feet and looked likely to do something every time he picked up the ball. He's a fecking exciting prospect if you ask me, especially when you consider how few first team games he's played in his career.
He's pretty poor positionally but at least has enough pace to recover if he gets caught out. His willingness to get stuck in is refreshing to see too. Let's not forget that he's still ridiculously young and has more than enough time to iron out his defensive frailties. The more games he gets, the quicker he'll do this (probably making a few mistakes along the way).
I just really think we've struck gold with the four Brazilian youngsters we have at the club. Each of them has shown glimpses of enormous potential and it's quite feasible that all will go on to be regular fixtures for the national team.
He's pretty poor positionally but at least has enough pace to recover if he gets caught out. His willingness to get stuck in is refreshing to see too. Let's not forget that he's still ridiculously young and has more than enough time to iron out his defensive frailties. The more games he gets, the quicker he'll do this (probably making a few mistakes along the way).
I just really think we've struck gold with the four Brazilian youngsters we have at the club. Each of them has shown glimpses of enormous potential and it's quite feasible that all will go on to be regular fixtures for the national team.
If Evra is god, Rafael is jesus.
Not surprising for a player struggling with, or returning from injury.
no doubts he is amazing at 18.
O.k, rafael was the best player on the pitch last night! hes not shit defensivley at all, loves to get stuck in there and the fact his positioning isnt quite there yet is a no brainer.
Hes a serious hot property and has pushed himself well up there in the managers thoughts, i guarantee you.
Its fascinating to see what the pecking order is for the rb spot but hes done himself a world of good already proving to be better in attack than nev and brown.
Champions league final tommorow it has to be brown, and im sure you all agree with that.
Hes a serious hot property and has pushed himself well up there in the managers thoughts, i guarantee you.
Its fascinating to see what the pecking order is for the rb spot but hes done himself a world of good already proving to be better in attack than nev and brown.
Champions league final tommorow it has to be brown, and im sure you all agree with that.
lads, he's the real deal, Rafael.
and wait till Fabio gets his injuries behind him.
and wait till Fabio gets his injuries behind him.
The twins, Possebon and Anderson are all revelations. I didn't expect any of them to be showing such class so soon. Rafael today knocked me out. Couldn't believe how well he played.
And we've still to see what Manucho can do!
Exciting times.
And we've still to see what Manucho can do!
Exciting times.
Obviously he is superb going forward but I have been very happy with the amount of times he has read the play early and intercepted the pass from nowhere. One touch later and he is off.
Having Rio next to you must make defending just that much easier. I think it was in the 2nd half when Rafael went to ground a bit early and Rio just gave him a little friendly reminder to stay on his feet. Scary how good this kid could become...
Having Rio next to you must make defending just that much easier. I think it was in the 2nd half when Rafael went to ground a bit early and Rio just gave him a little friendly reminder to stay on his feet. Scary how good this kid could become...
First time I've seen him play - the kid will be an absolute star. Can't wait to see more of him during the season.
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City have offered a billion pounds for the lad
feck me sideways, hes going to be fecking awesome!!!
Of course he has his flaws, but he joined this year after having not played real football for an entire fecking year. Young Brazilian fullbacks are hardly going to be good at defending given how they are brought up mainly as attackers.
Its amazing to see a young talent like that come through. Obviously, like every youngster, he has his flaws, but seeing him develop and gradually clean those out is going to be fascinating.
Of course he has his flaws, but he joined this year after having not played real football for an entire fecking year. Young Brazilian fullbacks are hardly going to be good at defending given how they are brought up mainly as attackers.
Its amazing to see a young talent like that come through. Obviously, like every youngster, he has his flaws, but seeing him develop and gradually clean those out is going to be fascinating.
This is not a pessimistic post but I feel we should wait for a few more years before we pass judgement on Rafael. It was a pathetic Danish side with hardly any players of international class for them. So, we should not hail him as the next Evra or whatever till he develops further and get more games under his belt.
FFS, even Terry Cooke had a magnificent debut for us with a backheel and played a one-two before crossing for Figgsy to slide home a goal sgainst Shitty & people were herlading him as the next Maradona.
Ditto, Luke Chadwick. A few goals and people on redcafe were labeeling him as a combination of the best of Beckham's dead ball crossing ability and Giggsy's dribbles.
While Rafeal does undoubtedly has potential, we should allow him to develop at his own time, gradually be eased into more first team matches. I 'd hate it if we heap too much pressure on the young lad's 18 year old shoulder comparing him with past internationals. Then, if he plays a stinker against a top rate EPL team, he would be slagged off as the next Kleberson or something....
Give him time to develop people. Stop clamouring for him to be in the first XI ahead of Neville and Brown. That is just plain daft
FFS, even Terry Cooke had a magnificent debut for us with a backheel and played a one-two before crossing for Figgsy to slide home a goal sgainst Shitty & people were herlading him as the next Maradona.
Ditto, Luke Chadwick. A few goals and people on redcafe were labeeling him as a combination of the best of Beckham's dead ball crossing ability and Giggsy's dribbles.
While Rafeal does undoubtedly has potential, we should allow him to develop at his own time, gradually be eased into more first team matches. I 'd hate it if we heap too much pressure on the young lad's 18 year old shoulder comparing him with past internationals. Then, if he plays a stinker against a top rate EPL team, he would be slagged off as the next Kleberson or something....
Give him time to develop people. Stop clamouring for him to be in the first XI ahead of Neville and Brown. That is just plain daft
do you mean that Rafael is no good on crosses?
boom boom!
P.S. Much, much easier to teach a talent like that how to improve his defending than it would be to teach any other defender in our squad how to cause problems in their final third.
He's raw but feck me, he's gonna be fantastic
First part, disagree.
Second part, oh yes. We have potentially the next Roberto Carlos on our books. Perhaps even two of them.
It's not so much just how well he played, but he was genuinely always wanting the ball. With this kind of attitude, he can only get better.
Sure it was only Aalborg, but seeing him play well in such a high profile game is good reason for optimism.
Sure it was only Aalborg, but seeing him play well in such a high profile game is good reason for optimism.
I thought Rafael played fantastic last night. Of course he's only 18 so he still has some things to learn but for the fact he's hardly played for us, is still young and so inexperienced and to give that performance last night. The lad is going to be huge for us, Nev and Brown beware
Any update on his injury? All focus on wayne and scholes, cant find anything on rafael though..
It was a breath of fresh air watching him last night. Didn't look out of place at all. Well apart from his defensive lapse's but I forgive him!
I think his physical strength showed last night. He has courage, is not afraid to get stuck in, wants the ball and is not afraid to move forward, to dribble, shoot or cross. With Fergie and our coaches, he can work on his positioning and defending. He's refreshing to watch, would love to see his twin play now
I think most people are sensible but in terms of yesterday, it wasn't so daft? Brown was fit and on the bench...
And it was a 'pathetic' danish team - that went to celtic park and got a draw. They didn't play bad yesterday. I don't think many people thought at the time they were watching a pathetic team
Additionally teams raise their game against United
He'll get games and he'll get rested and given time to develop.
Maybe he's developing faster then anyone expected? The reason he's picked - apart from doing well in the games he's played (and everyone makes mistakes and as you gain experience you hopefully Iron these out), is the fact he's obviously impressing in training and you don't come up against pathetic players in training....
What you can definitely say about the lad is that he's a footballer. Totally agree with Pogue above in that he's got the 'gifts' you can't teach in abundance.
Just needs to work on timing of tackles and positioning. That said, as he showed, he's got the pace to cover his own mistakes.
One thing that is a tad worrying is that our defence seems to be quite static at times this season when teams (even the lowly Aalborg) get the ball out wide. Hopefully this will improve as a settled four plays together in more games.
Just needs to work on timing of tackles and positioning. That said, as he showed, he's got the pace to cover his own mistakes.
One thing that is a tad worrying is that our defence seems to be quite static at times this season when teams (even the lowly Aalborg) get the ball out wide. Hopefully this will improve as a settled four plays together in more games.
He was the best man on the pitch yesterday. His calmness with the ball and passing was brilliant. I thought he was pretty good defensively too. His start to this season has been quite sensational considering he's only 18 and that it's his first year in Europe. I can definitely see some top class potential in him.
he certainly looked the part showe great pace,good shot, done his defensive duties and composure for a 18 yeard old
To be fair, i've been watching these kids since we were first linked to them and i'm surprised at how composed Rafael is at United. It's great to watch an 18 year old want to come out and play football.
Evra and Neville were traditionally pretty poor defenders when they first came to club (harsh on Evra). But they've both improved a great deal and Rafael and Fabio will both learn how to improve their defending espically with experienced pro's guiding them.
It's cameo's like today that excite me at one point he was looking the most likely to score a goal for us. Can't wait to see Fabio have a chance
Evra and Neville were traditionally pretty poor defenders when they first came to club (harsh on Evra). But they've both improved a great deal and Rafael and Fabio will both learn how to improve their defending espically with experienced pro's guiding them.
It's cameo's like today that excite me at one point he was looking the most likely to score a goal for us. Can't wait to see Fabio have a chance
I have to say, it is most certainly NOT an easy thing to teach a player like Rafael how to defend better. By no means easier than teaching a Wes Brown how to become useful in the attacking third, anyway.
It depends. Sir Alex wants an attacking full back, it's weither rafael can understand it's not every second. You have to be smart about how you attack and be in positions to defend.
Rafaels potential is greater so we're talking about someone that will probably end up a better player, maybe not defensively but brown and rafael going forward there's no comparision.
Rafael can pass and move, he can run inside and down the wing.
It depends on what Sir Alex wants.
I think the thing is too our old mentalty was if you score 4 we'll score five and rafael would have fitted into that mentality.
However now over the last however many seasons, we're looking solid at the back and rather then accepting conceding, we're playing smarter and looking to win 5-0 and so being a capable defender is obviously more in focus
But on a final note, anyone that's played football knows how tough it is and how well rafaels done. His fitness has been great but he's no where near at the top. It's psychically impossible so it boads well.
I think yes teaching brown would be easier - evidently - but rafael could be our right sided evra quite easily soon.
The sky is the limit and at just 18 it's no wonder people are excited because we're talking about a full back being one of the most exciting players on the pitch and that doesn't happen everyday. Your lucky if you have one and we do in evra but we're very, very lucky by the looks of it
Sensational prospect. Unbelievable ability for an 18 yo making his debut in the Champions league. Class.
He is but he is 18 so he will improve. He will never have played with defenders of the like and standard of Rio, Vidic and Evra. He can only get better, drastically better. And he has Gary Neville there to lead him along. His offensive play already far exceeds the levels of Neville and Brown.
Against inferior opposition, he should play a lot of games. He won't be found out defensively. I wouldn't be starting him against Arsenal or Chelsea or anything like that.
I think he will be the first choice right back after two seasons at the club. He will have improved his defensive play tenfold by then.
No young lad comes into the first team at 18, a fully-formed defender. That comes with experience, and learning the game. We have a great little prospect on our hands, who will become a much better defender as time goes on, and he works with the players and staff at the club.
We shouldn't be focussing on his weaknesses now, just allow him to eradicate those in his own time. I have no doubts he will turn out to be fantastic player for us.
We shouldn't be focussing on his weaknesses now, just allow him to eradicate those in his own time. I have no doubts he will turn out to be fantastic player for us.
He is class. Like this now at 18, it is exciting to imagine what he will be like in a few years