While the majority of the team picks itself, the right-back spot is still up for grabs, and, along with John O’Shea, the da Silva twins of Fabio and Rafael will be vying for a starting place against Barcelona tomorrow evening. Speaking to The Telegraph, Rafael claimed that the brothers always support each other, no matter who is selected.
“My brother has been playing quite well so we will fight for the place,” said Rafael. “We are very close to each other. We would have to congratulate the other if he was selected. We’re still only very young and always motivate each other whoever is playing.
“It’s quite a hard situation to be in,” he continued. “We’re both desperate to play, but know it would be very disappointing for the other. My parents don’t like it very much because they prefer one of us to play on each side rather than the two of us competing for the same position.”
In another interview with The Guardian, Rafael explained the differences between the two players. “I’m probably more aggressive than him whereas he is calmer than me.” Rafael was sent off against Bayern Munich as United were knocked out last season, and said “I’ve learnt a lot since being sent off and I’m much calmer now.”
He went on to talk about how pleased he was to see Fabio doing well: “I am happy to see my brother bouncing back after a difficult start at United. He got injured a few times and didn’t get many games in the first two seasons. There was even talk of him being loaned out. We have been together throughout our entire career and would love to keep it this way as long as possible.”
Fabio looks likely to start according to reports in The Sun, and he is confident of victory, telling The Guardian: “We have a side full of confidence and good players and shouldn’t fear Barcelona.” Rafael agrees, adding: “I don’t see why we can’t hurt them if we stick to a game plan and don’t make the same mistakes as some of their opponents.”
