Rafael Da Silva

Rafael Da Silva and his brother Fabio were both spotted by Manchester United scouts while playing for Fluminense in a Hong Kong youth tornament in July 2005 and in February 2007 Sir Alex Ferguson struck up a deal to sign the pair - who would join their new club in January 2008.

Although Rafael was now in Manchester he was unable to play for the club until he was 18 due to a Brazilian league ruling forbidding players under the age of18 being allowed to move to a non Brazilian club.

The first glimpse the Manchester United fans got of this exciting young prospect was during the 2008-09 pre-season, when he made his debut in the 2-0 friendly victory over Peterborough on 4 August 2008. His electric pace, silky Brazilian skills and tenacity made him an instant hit amongst the fans.

On 17 August 2008 Rafael made his competitive Manchester United debut when he came on as a substitute for Fraizer Campbell in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United; with his first start coming in the home 3-1 League Cup victory over Middlesborough 5 weeks later.

On 8 November 2008 Rafael scored his first goal for the club in Manchester United's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. With The Reds trailling they won corner, which was cleared to the edge of the box by an Arsenal defender. Rafael brought the ball down on his chest and smashed home a beautifully struck volley, to put United back in the game, which they eventually lost.