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

Rafael, who like his twin brother Fabio is a Brazilian youth international, was a somewhat surprise inclusion in the Reds' starting line-up at Peterborough on 4 August 2008 in Barry Fry's testimonial match. 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.