As soon as the da Silva twins Rafael and Fabio arrived at Manchester United their talent has been clear and they have been a real breath of fresh air. With their curly hair, dimples, boundless energy and passion for the game- they have been difficult to miss. Lively and skilful players they were signed straight from Brazil aged just seventeen and were yet to make a competitive appearance for their side. Brazilian club Fluminese, was where the brothers played and trained having moved to the clubs training complex aged eleven. Rafael caught United’s attention through his participation in a youth tournament in 2005- Nike’s Premier Cup in Tokyo. Progress of the brothers was followed closely. A deal was signed in 2007 and the pair moved to Manchester with their older brother in 2008. They couldn’t play until they turned 18 due to league rules. Manchester United almost lost out on the twins to Arsenal apparently, who tried to tap the boys up- thankfully their Mum ensured they respected their old club.
Rafael has had more luck with injuries and has had more chances to play than his brother who has a certain Patrice Evra in his way. Impressively Rafael has wracked up almost 100 appearances. He has gotten himself into trouble a-few times both for his rashness, naivety and temper. In the Marseille game, he worsened his injury by not coming off. He was doing so well until the Spurs game as far as his discipline goes! Both twins are progressing well and regularly look the part when they play. Rafael is definitely ahead of his brother in his development as a player and is the clubs first choice right back now (based on appearances this season). Upon their arrival it was said that Fabio was the more talented of the two- the better footballer. The quieter and the one that liked attacking more. Rafael the more confident, liked getting stuck in and has said he really enjoys defending. Fabio in play has seemed to be a bit calmer than his brother, though we haven’t seen as much of him. Fabio’s weakness so far is that he seems to get injured after or during every game he plays.
Personally love to see these guys play and when they are in the team. They play with such spirit that it is catching and you can see that they just put their all in. It isn’t just that though, they are both excellent footballers- skilful, creative, quick and aggressive. Via player interviews and things it seems that the pair have a good way in the dressing room regularly up to something and sharing good camaraderie with newbie Hernandez. Often play tricks when one pretends to be the other- every time you watch a match when either feature the commentator always remarks about them being married and how that’s how Fergie used to tell them apart- do they honestly need to say it every time, ITV seem to be the worst! Hope that United manage keep hold of them, they are exactly the type of players you want to see in a United shirt. You wish that others could have even half of their passion.
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