Does anyone truly understand how good Rafael is or will be?

He may have been overshadowed by Evra on the other side but Rafael still had a very good game, City got virtually nothing down that side, linked up very well with Park at both ends, stayed on his feet and was very composed on the ball.

Good match to play him in, City are not really a physical team and ina footballing contest he is an exceptinal talent.

Have to love his sense of adventure, gets into great areas going forward. I hope that is never coached out of him. Generally I think Fergie has been superb in his choice of match for him.

We looked solid down that side.

In a way that we haven't against teams with less talent there than Robinho.

Exceptional talent. First touch is a joy. I also think his awareness and positioning are actually a strength of his.

Has he let Robinho out of his pocket yet?

He was awesome. Had some way to go to fill the boots of John O'Shea, but just about managed it I think

played very well today, lets hope thats the end of O'Shea's days at rightback unless were playing Stoke

on that performance he can't be dropped. simple as that.

there's no better rb at our club.

I love Rafael

Originally Posted by celtbion

We looked solid down that side.

In a way that we haven't against teams with less talent there than Robinho.

Exceptional talent. [SIZE="4"]First touch is a joy. I also think his awareness and positioning are actually a strength of his.

a joy to behold

Originally Posted by The Watcher

I love Rafael

I am feeling this way also

Originally Posted by HarkNowHear

I am feeling this way also

One day, I will stroke his (rather wonderful) hair

Originally Posted by Tronics

there's no better rb at our club.

we only have one other right back and if that rb was a horse he would be taken out the back (of the emirates) and shot.

Originally Posted by The Watcher

One day, I will stroke his (rather wonderful) hair

I'd just stroke one out over him.

Originally Posted by The Watcher

One day, I will stroke his (rather wonderful) hair

Originally Posted by Rhodzy

I'd just stroke one out over him.

We could be friends

He was very good yesterday and Fergie got his tactics spot on. He's obviously aware of his natural proclivity to bomb forwards so he clearly gave instructions to Park and Fletcher to cover the RB area whenever he did. I think it's something they've obviously worked on and considered. If Ronaldo had played on the right then it would have been an entirely different story and I think we'd have been exposed more, but playing Park and Fletcher gave Rafael license to roam.

It was also a case of fighting fire with fire, so to speak. Instead of worrying about Robinho hurting us, let them worry about Robinho not tracking back - which he had no interest in doing.

That's why players like Park, Hargreaves and Fletcher are effective in those areas away from home. Picking Park was the correct call yesterday. But we all know Fergie is tactically weak so it must've been an accident

Originally Posted by HarkNowHear

a joy to behold




I am feeling this way also

And he can cross. That first time cross on the run to pick out Berbatov in the first half was great. It's them there Brazilians, just naturally talented.

Originally Posted by The Return of JC

He was very good yesterday and Fergie got his tactics spot on. He's obviously aware of his natural proclivity to bomb forwards so he clearly gave instructions to Park and Fletcher to cover the RB area whenever he did. I think it's something they've obviously worked on and considered. If Ronaldo had played on the right then it would have been an entirely different story and I think we'd have been exposed more, but playing Park and Fletcher gave Rafael license to roam.

It was also a case of fighting fire with fire, so to speak. Instead of worrying about Robinho hurting us, let them worry about Robinho not tracking back - which he had no interest in doing.

That's why players like Park, Hargreaves and Fletcher are effective in those areas away from home. Picking Park was the correct call yesterday. But we all know Fergie is tactically weak so it must've been an accident

he doesn't just bomb on either, he drifts wherever he senses openings or dangers. he's obviously got licence to do this which is a really promising development in United's tactics.

real pity Rooney (think it was) didn't slip him back in instead of trying to pick Park's run which had made the hole as well, otherwise we'd have been talking about a truly stunning goal

Originally Posted by Tumescent Throb

he doesn't just bomb on either, he drifts wherever he senses openings or dangers. he's obviously got licence to do this which is a really promising development in United's tactics.
real pity Rooney (think it was) didn't slip him back in instead of trying to pick Park's run which had made the hole as well, otherwise we'd have been talking about a truly stunning goal

Very true. There was a moment in the first half where if you froze the shot, Park was at right back, Fletcher was on the right wing and Rafael was in the 'hole' behind Rooney.

His positional sense and timing of his runs are improving with each game too. He just adds another dimension to our play.

I'm sure Fergie would like to use him as sparingly as possible, but will find it very hard to do so. I'm sure we'll see him more and more this season.

Originally Posted by Tumescent Throb

he doesn't just bomb on either, he drifts wherever he senses openings or dangers. he's obviously got licence to do this which is a really promising development in United's tactics.

real pity Rooney (think it was) didn't slip him back in instead of trying to pick Park's run which had made the hole as well, otherwise we'd have been talking about a truly stunning goal

And was that in the second half where Park dwelled on it and it went for a corner?....From which Ronaldo was sent off?

So actually, Rooney's poor decision to play in Park actually got Ronaldo sent off. See, I knew they hated each other.

So actually, Rooney's poor decision to play in Park actually got Ronaldo sent off. See, I knew they hated each other.

Rooney saw Webb produce the red card then went sprinting off in celebration

Did anyone see Rooney wink at Ronny after getting him sent off. I for one was disgusted by this behaviour. Very un-nationalistic.

Also, Rafael reminds me of a puppy dog the way he bombs about the pitch.
He always wants the ball and is always up for it. In Brazil they say his brother is even better. (done his collarbone in).

Rafael is the shit one of the twins, he won't make it...