Fergie hails Rafael potential

Brazilian earns rave reviews from his manager

Last updated: 1st October 2008

Fergie hails Rafael potential

Da Silva: Looks a real prospect

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Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Rafael da Silva's potential after the young Brazilian excelled in Manchester United's defeat of Aalborg on Tuesday night.

Gary Neville's absence from the travelling United party opened up an opportunity for the right-back berth, which Wes Brown was expected to fill after being relegated to an understudy role for the majority of this season.

However, Ferguson had other ideas and raised a few eyebrows when he elected to give 18-year-old Rafael his opportunity.

And his faith in the attack-minded full-back, whose twin brother Fabio is also on United's books, was justified as the buccaneering Brazilian gave a mature and astute performance.

Rafael twice brought excellent stops from Aalborg's goalkeeper after joining in United attacks to great effect and Ferguson is predicting bright times ahead for his latest starlet.

High hopes

"We have great hopes for the lad," said Ferguson. "He has impressed us a lot.

"Some people might have been a bit surprised I picked him over Wes Brown but I feel the boy has something special.

"Rafael has no fear of playing and has great belief in himself. He is only 18 but he has started very well. He did well against Middlesbrough last week and he has progressed again.

"He is really positive and has a great chance in the future."