Fabio da Silva took a little while longer than his twin brother, Rafael, to impact on United's first team, but has nevertheless shown himself to be a young full-back with a bright future.

The young Brazilian, who - like Rafael - was spotted in 2005 by Les Kershaw, then United's Academy manager, while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament - will regard 2010/11 as his breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford.

Brazil's captain and top-scorer in the Under-17 World Cup finals in Korea in 2007, Fabio officially joined United in July 2008 and was quickly earning praise from Sir Alex Ferguson. Speaking

about both twins, the manager said: "They just love playing. They're quick and they're determined. I think they're both excellent footballers, I really do."

The pair both appeared in a pre-season friendly against Peterborough a month after signing with the Reds, and thereafter Rafael quickly garnered more first team opportunities, while Fabio continued to hone his game in the Reds' Reserves.

Despite suffering from a spate of injuries and finding his route to the first team blocked by Patrice Evra, John O'Shea and Rafael, Fabio's patience reaped rewards when he pinned down a regular starting berth