Fabio and Rafael arrive

Kaiketsu_Zorro · 16th January 2008, 16:39

Samba twins set for United lift-off

Brazilian identical twins Fabio and Rafael are set to arrive at Manchester United ahead of schedule and will begin their careers in England on Monday.

The two full backs – first spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson in a youth competition in Hong Kong in 2005 - signed pre-contract agreements with the Premier League champions when turning 16 in July 2006.

It had been expected that their European adventure would begin at the end of the current campaign, but the two 17-year-olds have now confirmed that their family will be moving to Manchester on January 21.

It is believed that United are paying €3.5 million (£2.6 million) for each of the teenagers who will look to emulate the Neville brothers by both winning a place in Ferguson’s first team.

“After eight visits to Manchester United, we will travel to come to live in England,” Rafael told Globoesporte.

“In the last two years, we were there three times in three months. We trained ten days and we came back. This time, all the family are going: Father, mother and our older brother with his wife.”

Rafael plays at right back with Fabio performing on the opposite side for Brazil's youth teams and the Fluminense youth setup.

It is expected that neither will be considered for first team football until next season, when they hope to burst onto the scene like fellow Brazilian Alexandre Pato who recently made a huge impression on his Serie A debut with Milan after turning 18.

“I go to only train for six months, without participating in games, for Manchester United,” added Fabio.

“I will be able, in the maximum, to enter in some games before turning 18 on July 9.

“We know some Brazilian players of a similar age who are playing abroad. Anderson, of the Manchester United, is our video gaming friend. We always talk with Lucas, ex-Gremio [and now of Liverpool], on MSN.

“Our biggest example is without a doubt Alexandre Pato. Who knows if we can go the same way as the Duck?”

http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/Ne...ive-at-United/

UnitedRoadRed · 16th January 2008, 16:54

They play Pro Evo with Anderson, cool. That's seal their progression.

Nah, seriously it looks good and also explains why Fergie won't be held to ransom under Wes. Proper cover for left and right back and potentially competition for Evra irrespective of how good he is at the moment is bound to be welcome. Right-back certainly appears more up in the air at the moment, with Simpson, Nev and Wes all in the frame without the Brazilian.

Good to see that we can do what Wenger has been doing for some time and the Portuguese connections at the club will ease the South Americans in nicely. Rooney's brutishness adding to Latin flair up front? Excellent.

spinoza · 16th January 2008, 16:58

How did they manage to get a work permit?

Kaiketsu_Zorro · 16th January 2008, 16:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnitedRoadRed

They play Pro Evo with Anderson, cool. That's seal their progression.

Nah, seriously it looks good and also explains why Fergie won't be held to ransom under Wes. Proper cover for left and right back and potentially competition for Evra irrespective of how good he is at the moment is bound to be welcome. Right-back certainly appears more up in the air at the moment, with Simpson, Nev and Wes all in the frame without the Brazilian.

Good to see that we can do what Wenger has been doing for some time and the Portuguese connections at the club will ease the South Americans in nicely. Rooney's brutishness adding to Latin flair up front? Excellent.

I don't think they will be able to play games till the summer when they turn 18 (at least that's what the article says) but nevertheless it's good they're here, they can use those few months for settling in England.

Coca Cola · 16th January 2008, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinoza

How did they manage to get a work permit?

Pretty sure I read somewhere that they have an Italian passport.

Twisted_Woody · 16th January 2008, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnitedRoadRed

They play Pro Evo with Anderson, cool. That's seal their progression.

Nah, seriously it looks good and also explains why Fergie won't be held to ransom under Wes. Proper cover for left and right back and potentially competition for Evra irrespective of how good he is at the moment is bound to be welcome. Right-back certainly appears more up in the air at the moment, with Simpson, Nev and Wes all in the frame without the Brazilian.

Good to see that we can do what Wenger has been doing for some time and the Portuguese connections at the club will ease the South Americans in nicely. Rooney's brutishness adding to Latin flair up front? Excellent.

We also have Danny Simpson for right back cover so if Wes wants to hold us ransom then he can stuff it. Although, if that is the strategy I wonder why we didn't sell him to Newcastle?

WAZZA-UP · 16th January 2008, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twisted_Woody

We also have Danny Simpson for right back cover so if Wes wants to hold us ransom then he can stuff it. Although, if that is the strategy I wonder why we didn't sell him to Newcastle?

Cos they (apparently) only offered £400k

sincher · 16th January 2008, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coca Cola

Pretty sure I read somewhere that they have an Italian passport.

Portuguese, but yes.

Pogue Mahone · 16th January 2008, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by sincher

Portuguese, but yes.

Off-topic, I know, but why can't Manucho get himself one of those? Isn't Angola a Portugese colony?

marcus agrippa · 16th January 2008, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnitedRoadRed

Rooney's brutishness adding to Latin flair up front? Excellent.

Rooney's brutishness? - come on!

Wazza is probably one of the subtlest players around. sure he uses his strength at times and is prepared to dirty his hands, but that's normal for someone of his frame and commitment.

BezsMaracas · 16th January 2008, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Off-topic, I know, but why can't Manucho get himself one of those? Isn't Angola a Portugese colony?

That's akin to someone in the commonwealth being given free reign to work over here, it doesn't happen, they still need a work permit if they are from outside the EU.

Pogue Mahone · 16th January 2008, 23:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezsMaracas

That's akin to someone in the commonwealth being given free reign to work over here, it doesn't happen, they still need a work permit if they are from outside the EU.

Fair enough. I was never the best at Geography, to be fair!

What's the Portuges connection for our twins though?

December_16 · 16th January 2008, 23:32

some sorts of great great grandma born in Portugal centuries ago I guess

Bammy · 17th January 2008, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaiketsu_Zorro

Samba twins set for United lift-off

Brazilian identical twins Fabio and Rafael are set to arrive at Manchester United ahead of schedule and will begin their careers in England on Monday.

The two full backs – first spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson in a youth competition in Hong Kong in 2005 - signed pre-contract agreements with the Premier League champions when turning 16 in July 2006.

It had been expected that their European adventure would begin at the end of the current campaign, but the two 17-year-olds have now confirmed that their family will be moving to Manchester on January 21.

It is believed that United are paying €3.5 million (£2.6 million) for each of the teenagers who will look to emulate the Neville brothers by both winning a place in Ferguson’s first team.

“After eight visits to Manchester United, we will travel to come to live in England,” Rafael told Globoesporte.

“In the last two years, we were there three times in three months. We trained ten days and we came back. This time, all the family are going: Father, mother and our older brother with his wife.”

Rafael plays at right back with Fabio performing on the opposite side for Brazil's youth teams and the Fluminense youth setup.

It is expected that neither will be considered for first team football until next season, when they hope to burst onto the scene like fellow Brazilian Alexandre Pato who recently made a huge impression on his Serie A debut with Milan after turning 18.

“I go to only train for six months, without participating in games, for Manchester United,” added Fabio.

“I will be able, in the maximum, to enter in some games before turning 18 on July 9.

“We know some Brazilian players of a similar age who are playing abroad. Anderson, of the Manchester United, is our video gaming friend. We always talk with Lucas, ex-Gremio [and now of Liverpool], on MSN.

“Our biggest example is without a doubt Alexandre Pato. Who knows if we can go the same way as the Duck?”

http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/Ne...ive-at-United/

Wouldn't have thought they would have got near the first team yet?!I thought they would be doing well to get a season in the reserves next year but maybe Sir Alex has other plans.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 19th January 2008, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcus agrippa

Rooney's brutishness? - come on!

Wazza is probably one of the subtlest players around. sure he uses his strength at times and is prepared to dirty his hands, but that's normal for someone of his frame and commitment.

To cut a longs story short. Rooney is a subtle & graceful brute.

MufcAgs23 · 21st January 2008, 04:24

Fabio plays on the left and Rafael plays on the right. Fabio was the captain at national level and is considerably more talented. They are both right footed so maybe we will convert Fabio to play on the right because I can't see anyone forcing Evra out of the first team (though I said the same about Heinze in 04...).

Elliott · 21st January 2008, 13:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by MufcAgs23

They are both right footed so maybe we will convert Fabio to play on the right

This ain't CM or FM or whatever it's called these days.

Pogue Mahone · 21st January 2008, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elliott

This ain't CM or FM or whatever it's called these days.

Bit harsh. It's not unheard of for right-footed players to play left full-back and vice versa.

PS18 · 21st January 2008, 15:50

yeah. i'm struggling to think of any notable right-footed left-backs over the years who haven't been able to play right-back as well (Irwin, Lahm, Zambrotta etc) so it's not the most outrageous suggestion. must admit it had crossed my mind too.

MufcAgs23 · 21st January 2008, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elliott

This ain't CM or FM or whatever it's called these days.

Thanks for that. So it's out of the question for a 17 year old kid to be introduced into a new position? Get a grip you tosser.

Elliott · 22nd January 2008, 01:42

No, it's not out of the question. It's just that it's ridiculous to speculate in stuff like that when you've never seen him play. He scores a lot of goals for a full-back and for all we know that might have something to do with how he arrives in and around the box from the left to finish with his right foot. Like a young Ben Thornley

. Also, the lad is 17 and as far as I know yet to play a senior game for Fluminense, so I wouldn't worry about Evra standing in his way just yet. Tosser.

MufcAgs23 · 22nd January 2008, 05:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elliott

No, it's not out of the question. It's just that it's ridiculous to speculate in stuff like that when you've never seen him play. He scores a lot of goals for a full-back and for all we know that might have something to do with how he arrives in and around the box from the left to finish with his right foot. Like a young Ben Thornley

. Also, the lad is 17 and as far as I know yet to play a senior game for Fluminense, so I wouldn't worry about Evra standing in his way just yet. Tosser.

I have seen him play in the u-17 internationals... And the two goals he did score were with his head from set pieces... So I wouldn't consider him much of a goal scorer, and I've yet to see him cut in from the left and have a shot with his right. As far as challenging for a place goes, I only suggested swapping flanks because right back is our grey area at the moment.

Elliott · 22nd January 2008, 16:12

Alright then. He scored 4 or 5 in a youth tournament not long ago, including a classy overhead kick and one where played a one-two on the left and cut in to score. But I've never seen him in a full match and I figured that was the case with you as well. My bad. I take it you weren't impressed with Rafael since you'd rather put Fabio on the right?

bbest · 22nd January 2008, 16:27

So, when they start playing, are we going to chant, "he plays on the left, he plays on the right, the twins from Brazil, call Pato a duck"?

Top · 22nd January 2008, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbest

So, when they start playing, are we going to chant, "he plays on the left, he plays on the right, the twins from Brazil, call Pato a duck"?

Yes, yes we are.

bbest · 22nd January 2008, 17:03

Pogue Mahone · 22nd January 2008, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbest

So, when they start playing, are we going to chant, "he plays on the left, he plays on the right, the twins from Brazil, call Pato a duck"?

Nice work. I always wondered where you got your tagline from

bbest · 22nd January 2008, 17:20

Haha...

MufcAgs23 · 22nd January 2008, 22:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elliott

Alright then. He scored 4 or 5 in a youth tournament not long ago, including a classy overhead kick and one where played a one-two on the left and cut in to score. But I've never seen him in a full match and I figured that was the case with you as well. My bad. I take it you weren't impressed with Rafael since you'd rather put Fabio on the right?

Saw two matches in which Fabio resembled our own Evra, however Rafael was more of a Bardsley. Maybe it was just the matches I caught, but I have also read many places that Fabio is the one that is higher regarded of the two.

16th January 2008, 16:39	#1 (permalink)
Kaiketsu_Zorro A follower of Manchunism Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Polska Posts: 1,336	Fabio and Rafael arrive Samba twins set for United lift-off Brazilian identical twins Fabio and Rafael are set to arrive at Manchester United ahead of schedule and will begin their careers in England on Monday. The two full backs – first spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson in a youth competition in Hong Kong in 2005 - signed pre-contract agreements with the Premier League champions when turning 16 in July 2006. It had been expected that their European adventure would begin at the end of the current campaign, but the two 17-year-olds have now confirmed that their family will be moving to Manchester on January 21. It is believed that United are paying €3.5 million (£2.6 million) for each of the teenagers who will look to emulate the Neville brothers by both winning a place in Ferguson’s first team. “After eight visits to Manchester United, we will travel to come to live in England,” Rafael told Globoesporte. “In the last two years, we were there three times in three months. We trained ten days and we came back. This time, all the family are going: Father, mother and our older brother with his wife.” Rafael plays at right back with Fabio performing on the opposite side for Brazil's youth teams and the Fluminense youth setup. It is expected that neither will be considered for first team football until next season, when they hope to burst onto the scene like fellow Brazilian Alexandre Pato who recently made a huge impression on his Serie A debut with Milan after turning 18. “I go to only train for six months, without participating in games, for Manchester United,” added Fabio. “I will be able, in the maximum, to enter in some games before turning 18 on July 9. “We know some Brazilian players of a similar age who are playing abroad. Anderson, of the Manchester United, is our video gaming friend. We always talk with Lucas, ex-Gremio [and now of Liverpool], on MSN. “Our biggest example is without a doubt Alexandre Pato. Who knows if we can go the same way as the Duck?” http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/Ne...ive-at-United/

22nd January 2008, 17:03	#26 (permalink)
bbest The Caf's worst songwriter Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: .................... Posts: 8,016	Yay!

16th January 2008, 16:54	#2 (permalink)
UnitedRoadRed Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Manchester Posts: 2,334	They play Pro Evo with Anderson, cool. That's seal their progression. Nah, seriously it looks good and also explains why Fergie won't be held to ransom under Wes. Proper cover for left and right back and potentially competition for Evra irrespective of how good he is at the moment is bound to be welcome. Right-back certainly appears more up in the air at the moment, with Simpson, Nev and Wes all in the frame without the Brazilian. Good to see that we can do what Wenger has been doing for some time and the Portuguese connections at the club will ease the South Americans in nicely. Rooney's brutishness adding to Latin flair up front? Excellent.

16th January 2008, 16:58	#3 (permalink)
spinoza Paz's ion Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Everything is "blarg". Posts: 22,327	How did they manage to get a work permit?

16th January 2008, 23:32	#13 (permalink)
December_16 Arse wiper and cock washer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Football that just makes you purrrrrr Posts: 3,350	some sorts of great great grandma born in Portugal centuries ago I guess

21st January 2008, 04:24	#16 (permalink)
MufcAgs23 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: RedCafe Posts: 2,292	Fabio plays on the left and Rafael plays on the right. Fabio was the captain at national level and is considerably more talented. They are both right footed so maybe we will convert Fabio to play on the right because I can't see anyone forcing Evra out of the first team (though I said the same about Heinze in 04...).

21st January 2008, 15:50	#19 (permalink)
PS18 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ruud ftw Posts: 896	yeah. i'm struggling to think of any notable right-footed left-backs over the years who haven't been able to play right-back as well (Irwin, Lahm, Zambrotta etc) so it's not the most outrageous suggestion. must admit it had crossed my mind too.

22nd January 2008, 01:42	#21 (permalink)
Elliott Likes Loan Stickies Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 4,842	No, it's not out of the question. It's just that it's ridiculous to speculate in stuff like that when you've never seen him play. He scores a lot of goals for a full-back and for all we know that might have something to do with how he arrives in and around the box from the left to finish with his right foot. Like a young Ben Thornley . Also, the lad is 17 and as far as I know yet to play a senior game for Fluminense, so I wouldn't worry about Evra standing in his way just yet. Tosser.

22nd January 2008, 16:12	#23 (permalink)
Elliott Likes Loan Stickies Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 4,842	Alright then. He scored 4 or 5 in a youth tournament not long ago, including a classy overhead kick and one where played a one-two on the left and cut in to score. But I've never seen him in a full match and I figured that was the case with you as well. My bad. I take it you weren't impressed with Rafael since you'd rather put Fabio on the right?

22nd January 2008, 16:27	#24 (permalink)
bbest The Caf's worst songwriter Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: .................... Posts: 8,016	So, when they start playing, are we going to chant, "he plays on the left, he plays on the right, the twins from Brazil, call Pato a duck"?

22nd January 2008, 17:20	#28 (permalink)
bbest The Caf's worst songwriter Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: .................... Posts: 8,016	Haha...