Manchester United ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Newcastle at St James’s Park on Sunday, with Brazilian full-back Rafael impressing once more.
Rafael, 22, was voted the Red Devils’ Player of the Month for September this week and continued his fine recent form with a robust showing to limit the threat of the Magpies’ French winger Hatem Ben Arfa.
As so often, the former Fluminense youngster was also influential in attacking areas, linking well with Robin Van Persie on the right side of the pitch early-on in the game, even going close to scoring once more in the first-half.
It was in defence, though, that he did his best work, ifying the tricky Ben Arfa and showing more authority in his positioning and demeanour than has been the case in previous seasons.
The Red Devils were 2-0 up at half-time through headed goals from defenders Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra, before Tom Cleverley curled home a stunning second-half strike reminiscent of Ronaldinho’s effort for Atlético Mineiro on Saturday.
