08/09 Review: Rafael

A virtual unknown, even in his home country of Brazil, prior to the 2008/09 season, rampaging right-back Rafael quickly served notice of a bright, bombarding future at Old Trafford...

Start to finish: After the Da Silva brothers’ transfer from Fluminese was cleared in August, Rafael was given his chance to impress in a pre-season friendly against Peterborough. The Brazilian youth international seized it with a breathtaking display, leading Sir Alex Ferguson to describe his performance as "a sensation".

In position: Rafael’s pace and attacking tendencies gave the Reds new options in defence. “In Brazil, the right-back is always attacking, but not here,” he told United Review in January. With Gary Neville nearer the end of his great career than the beginning, Rafael is looking to seize the right-back spot for keeps.

Season highlight: His Brazilian flair shone at the Emirates, where he scored United’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal - a spectacular volley from the edge of the area.

Vital contribution: “Good work”: The words of countryman Robinho after Rafael had marked him out of the local derby at Eastlands in November.

Any lows: After playing in every round of the Carling Cup, he missed out on the final due to an ankle injury picked up a fortnight before. He did get to Wembley, though - his first game after regaining fitness was the FA Cup semi-final...

Any other business: Rafael was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in April.

www.manutd.com

08/09 Review: Fabio

Rafael's brother wasn't blessed with the best of luck in an injury-blighted debut season. But if fortune does favour Fabio in 2009/10, then it could mean double trouble for United's opposition...

Start to finish: Fabio's first-team debut came in the FA Cup fourth round clash against Tottenham Hotspur on 24 January. He impressed greatly but picked up a calf injury and limped off after 53 minutes. In truth, that was the tale of his first season at OT. Further first-team opportunities were limited, due to spells on the sidelines and Patrice Evra's excellent form. But Fabio consistently excelled at Reserve level, creating and scoring plenty of goals for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

In position: A right-footed, left-sided defender, Fabio is a definite goal threat - in March he netted a hat-trick in the Reserves' 4-1 Lancashire Senior Cup win over Rochdale - so he can also play further up the pitch.

Season highlight: Starting at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final against Everton, with his twin brother Rafael on the opposite flank. He was eventually replaced by Evra but he can be proud of his display - not all teenagers get to play at Wembley in their first season!

Vital contribution: Fabio had a couple of run-outs in the FA Cup, helping United to reach the semis at Wembley.

Any lows: A shoulder injury at the start of the season which halted similar progress to his brother Rafael.

Any other business: It's going to be difficult for Fabio to claim the left-back berth while Patrice Evra is at the height of his powers, but the Brazilian has time on his side and might prove to be the Frenchman's long-term successor.

www.manutd.com