34. Rodrigo Possebon

Elegant and composed in possession but full of energy, Rodrigo Possebon is an archetypal box-to-box midfielder.

He joined United in January 2008 from Brazil's Sporting Club Internacional and was immediately handed a senior squad number (34, although he was later registered as 35 for the 2008/09 season).

Possebon's path to Old Trafford was greatly facilitated by his father's Italian heritage, giving the youngster an Italian passport and negating the need for a work permit.

A fluent English-speaker, he quickly assimilated to life in England and made his debut for

the Reserves in a 2-0 Manchester Senior Cup win over Manchester City in February 2008.

The youngster's neat performance carried some promise, leading Academy Manager Brian McClair to admit: "It looks as if he's got quite a bit of talent."

Possebon excelled on his non-competitve debut for the first team in July 2008, helping United to victory over the Kaizer Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge final in South Africa following a late call-up to the squad. "Rodrigo used the ball well and I think the lad has got a chance," commented Sir Alex afterwards.

The Brazilian, who collected a Community Shield winners' medal as a unused substitute in the win over Portsmouth, didn't have to wait long for his senior debut, coming on as a sub for Ryan Giggs in United's first fixture of 2008/09, the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United. Again he looked calm and confident on the ball, rarely giving away possession and never shirking challenges in the centre of the park.

Possebon featured in all of Sir Alex's squads during the 2008/09 League Cup campaign (starting in the wins over Middlesbrough, QPR and Blackburn) and picked up his second winners' medal with the first team

following the penalty shoot-out victory over Tottenham in the final at Wembley.