Fabio da Silva is a right-footed, left-sided defender but, like his twin brother Rafael, loves to get forward.

Spotted in 2005 by Les Kershaw, then United's Academy manager, while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tournament, it wasn't long before the Reds came knocking.

Fabio has already proved his potential on the youth international stage. He captained and top-scored in the Under-17 World Cup finals in Korea in 2007.

FIFA's official website heaped praise on the teenager after their game against Ghana. "Brazil's calm and intricate build-up play was

impressive to behold as the imperious Fabio pulled the strings."

It's that kind of promise that had Sir Alex waxing lyrical about the pair. "It's a typical Brazilian situation," he says. "They just love playing. They're quick and they're determined. I think they're both excellent footballers, I really do."

The United manager's persistence in signing the pair showed just how highly he rated them. "Their old club Fluminense didn't play them because they were joining us. They came over in January 2008 [before officially signing in July 2008], but it was too late for the work permit