Rafael, 21, has failed to stamp his authority on the Manchester United right-back position since the retirement of veteran Gary Neville, with regular injuries preventing major progress from the former-Fluminense man.
Now, with the impending arrival of young Palace star Clyne, the Brazilian faces a fight to retain his position as the expected long-term right-back for United.
The 2011/12 campaign has also been difficult for Rafael’s brother Fábio, who despite winning his first caps for Brazil, has struggled to get regular game-time once more with Patrice Evra in his way.
Both players face a crucial eighteen months in their development, with a place in the 2014 World Cup squad dependant on regular performances at first-team level in the near future.
