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.
