Watching the lads warming up ahead of the Spurs game yesterday, it was odd watching Fabio da Silva. I knew it was Fabio because on the radio on the way to the ground I’d heard he was starting and I knew his twin brother, Rafael, was out injured. However, it was odd to watch Fabio, knowing he was, but also aware if I hadn’t heard the team news, I’d be referring to him as Rafael.
The da Silva brothers have been mockingly called ‘The Brazilian Nevilles’, however, aside from their appearances, the style of play between Gary and Phil varied massively. They both usually filled the full-back positions for us, but Phil was better suited to the midfield role and Gary was better was bombing forward. On first viewing, there is no difference between Rafael and Fabio.
One brother plays down the right, the other down the left, but they appear to match each other in ability, confidence and approach to the game.
“The da Silva brothers have got great temperament to play,” Ferguson said. “They’ve got a winning mentality. Like Rafael, Fabio loves playing and loves training, the enthusiasm is always there.”
Ben Foster, who had a couple of games this weekend, has echoed these senitments about the brothers.
“Confidence is something that those twins definitely aren’t lacking!” he said. “Since they arrived they have been absolutely fantastic. Fabio has been a bit unlucky with injuries, but he’s definitely one for the future.”
The Times was similarly impressed with Fabio, reinforcing what we’d heard, that the left back was better than the right. It is Fabio who captains the International team and Fabio who was Brazil U-21s top scorer.
Old Trafford is used to seeing stars being born but always cherishes the experience, and Ferguson finds nothing more sustaining than springing a new player on the game. At 18, via his unexpected performances at right-back this season, Rafael Da Silva is already a sensation. Yesterday it was the turn of Fabio, his twin, to announce himself as a talent of substance. Fabio, playing at left-back, was the outstanding performer of a vivid opening act. The Da Silva twins are identical, sharing the same wide-eyed, curly-haired boyishness, youthful builds and coltish gaits. Injuries meant Fabio had to wait for yesterday’s debut. Spectators mused that he could not be as good as his brother and soon knew their instincts were right: he looks better.
It is weird having identical players, in appearance and style. It’s a bit of a test for the brain which I’m sure will only mess with us more when both lads are on the pitch. Weird, yet wonderful, and I can only imagine how great these brothers are going to get.
Man Utd News 24/7
It was weird.I think Fabio is not a left-footer.From what i saw he can use both feet with the same ease.He probably prefers to play on the left so that Rafael wouldn’t be out of a job!They are both great prospects.I can’t waut for the day when they play together.Opponents will think they see double!
Love the way they run, like speedy gonzalez, legs going at hundred miles an hour. Two huge future prospects for United.
Can’t wait to seem them both starting, would be really fun. Especially if they forward for a setpiece.
They both look very very impressive there like the Neville’s but on ecstasy
they’ve got bags of skill and they can put in a decent cross, i couldn’t tell them apart at all though i bet they have some fun with that
real tough to find a difference btwn them.
first,i though fabio was a little more fleshier on the face as compared to rafael,at least that’s what i thought when i saw some training pics.
But on the pitch, i had to confirm that was fabio when he turned around and i cld see his name.
i mean,if they both play,the guys man-marking them are gonna find it tough!
What do you think about trying Fabio at Left mid with Evra at Left back??
Then again, Tosic didn’t look to shabby either in his cameo!!
or evra left wing, think we originally signed him as a long term replacement for giggs orginally,
These 2 lads could turn out to be the best signings of the last 20 years….. thats how impressed i am with them, and what they could achieve…
Once they are both fit, and once both fully recognised, im sure they will bear a massive influence on young south american players signing for us…
I am really impressed by both of them…. and very very excited as to just how good these 2 kids can become.
The Futures Bright… The Futures Red.
The best place for Evra is left back, i know he’s fantastic going forward but his defending is often under estimated he’s part of a world class defence that should be shuffled around. Unless you just mean while we’ve got all these injuries then fair enough it would be worth a try as we’re abit short across the field at the moment.
The only difference between them for me were two things.
1st: Fabio looks more defensive.
2nd: Fabio uses tapes around his ankles…
Failsworth: “These 2 lads could turn out to be the best signings of the last 20 years….. ”
Steady on; do you really expect them to be better than Rooney or Ronaldo ? Of course, I’d hope so but let’s not get carried away. They are terrific young prospects but, so far, that’s what they are: prospects.
But you are right that they offer the team a new dimension of attacking speed on both flanks that has been somewhat lacking as RedNev has slowed down. And that presages some interesting new attacking formations such as a 2-8-0 or a 3-6-1 ? Pity poor Fergy, having to make those kind of decisions before every match.
saw the match yesterday and was observing fabio all the time…he was fantastic!!!can’t believe these two brothers not only look alike but even their playing style is the same.fabio showed great linkups with ronaldo yesterday and i won’t be surprised if we see both the brothers playing together in the first team in 2-3 months!!!!
Is it me or does Fabio seem alot more two footed? At first I thought he was right footed ‘cuz he controlled superbly with it and passed with it but when he dribbled and crossed, he used his left, really impressive. Evra finally has quality, none scouse wanting, competition!
I said it earlier Mic.I think he is two-footed but plays on the left so that Rafael cn have a job!Nonetheless hats off to Fergie and Quieroz for discovering them.With one scoop they got us 2 great full backs for the next 15 years.
red-manc agreed bout evra just ment to get them both in the side, imagine a 4-3-3 wiv fds pe and cr up one side
If one of them gets booked they could always swap shirts
class bruce
hes not playing left so his brother could do a job… when they were younger some coach spottet their dribbling ability and crossing and stamina… fabio used to play midfield and rafael striker
rafael has a spot on either side of his nose!! and apazza fabios head is a tad bigger!! they have different smiles aswell! class to see fabio yesterday…cant wait to see them both play together:D
Fucking hell Bruce….. dont tell everyone our secrets…lol
Agree that they are both soon to feature in the first team …red hot prospects.
With all the Brazilian talent in the squad its about time time UTD arranged a pre-season trip to Brazil.
I think it was meant in jest Siggsigg….
Fabio’s debut is a highlight of the season for me.
They add so much versatility.
The option to play wingbacks is now there for us.
Considering they cost 6-7 million all up??
They could well be along with ronaldo a modern day bargain buy of legendary status.
I feel like we just got two ferrari’s for the price of a mini moke.
I don’t think it’s fair to say that one brother is better than the other. I think, they both have a different style of play which is refreshing but I wouldn’t say that Fabio is better than Rafael or vice-versa. I think it’s too soon to say such a thing.
I’ve been equally impressed with both of them and the great thing is that they’re still so young so improvement is inevitable.
Actually, I liked better Fabio’s syle, because, although very similar, Fabio tends to drible more and keep control of the ball, while Rafa tends to pass with sheer speed, wich is awesome. But I’ve only seen Fabio play this game, so I’m not that sure. And I think his eyebrows are thicker…maaaybe…
Well fuck me….. The young boy looks a great potential, in fact both the brothers… I just hope that they intend to stick around for a while, say something like 15 years. These South Americans have a tendency to start ‘dreaming’ about the continent and other clubs in rather strange ways. I just hope they stay loyal to Sir Alex and the club that is going to give them a chance to shine and make their careers….
Bruce i love it!
Actually, I can’t wait till the day they’re playing together and one gets in a nasty and bookable challenge. If the ref doesn’t see the numbers on their backs all they have to do is make sure they’re both standing near each other and he won’t know who to hand the yellow to – or the sending off! As they both play on opposite sides of the field it isn’t likely, but who knows?
I love their style(s) of play. But methinks Fabio is a little, more composed than Rafael. Seems Fabio tends to be more defensive, his first move forward was class, great delivery, pure class. And they’re still prospects. I hope they stay long & loyal to Man Utd. I can smell Royal Mad -ness- Rid sniffin…
Both fantastic prospects. Great to see.
According to Raphael, Fabio is ‘more technical and calmer on the ball’.
Haven’t heard what Fabio has to say about Raphael.
I look forward to seeing a lot more of these kids.
madrid can get their grubby mits off our twins, and anyone else for that matter, really hope they finish 5th, karma for lack of integrity
Great game from fabio. i think ronny had a great game despite being low at performance. he frequently dropped back to cover fabio, and having a big brother arm across fabios shoulder, had a lnt to calm him more. viva fabio and ronny
wow— like my twin that’s why i am excited.the thought of them playing tohether! even referees –aah.
Actually against spurs i was late watching,not seen the lineup, thought he was rafael.
playing together? we just keep the dream.It’s going to be fantastic.
I watched them playing together in our pre-season against Peterborough (SAF’s son’s team right?), and tell you what.. heh.. they nearly cris-crossed each other once. I could only smile at that moment..
i would be nice to see fabio and rafael play in the carling cup final.
now its time to introduce possebon.man utd for life
Think we are on to a winner in more ways than one here, we could use them as a substituion and no-one would be none the wiser, just swap shirts at half time, get Fabio to use he’s right foot, or Rafael to use he’s left, the referees, linesmen and fourth offical would be fooled. United 4 subs rule, this could bring us the 6 trophies at the end of the season!!!
I dont agree with cheating, but technically is this cheating????!!!!!
Dear oh Dear,
Yes Champ1ons it is cheating. lol
How well have the utd reserves come through recently though, I mean from a few years in the cold with very little break through or cover, this season has seen Evan, Rafael, Fabio, Welbeck, Possebon, Etc etc etc, the list goes on, and it hasnt just been in the Carling Cup either.
If you think Evans has probably played in almost every “MUST WIN” game of the season, Chelsea and all our European games.
The thought of Fabio being a little more defensive might just be because of the players infront of them, Fabio plays behind CR7, who isnt the most defensive of wingers. Maybe this was cause for a more controlled defensive display, but im uber happy at how well he seemed to do this.
Rafael’s only weakness to not is that he does seem to loose his man occasionally, but he has the speed to catch them up. None of that from Fabio.
i had seen raphel a few times before he came on against arsenal, and as i was a bit excited to see him i blurted out to my mates “this lad is soon going to be the best in the world”..before his goal.. obviously i was mocked (there were liverpool fans there) but how stupid do will i look now when hwe may not even be the best in his family!
I am an Arsenal fan, but I think you guys have got serious talent and winners in the da Silva twins. It was the first time I saw Fabio, but did strike me as even better than his twin Raphael who got the goal against us back at the Emirates. They also look like finished products technically.. even though they might not have the stamina of a week in week out premiership tussle. Good on you.