Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed his Brazilian right back Rafael as the new Gary Neville.
The 22-year-old has become a key part of Manchester United’s team, emerging as the only player to have been picked for both fixtures against Chelsea in the last week.
Ferguson told reporters: “I can definitely see Rafael going on to have the kind of career that Gary Neville had with us. There’s no doubt about it.
“His form this season has been brilliant. He’s tougher now.”
Comparisons to United legend Gary Neville will be a confidence boost to the youngster but Ferguson says the fullback can be even better if he irons out the mistakes: “Gary came to use as a centreback and wasn’t the finished article when he came into our team. Gary became a fantastic fullback, perhaps the best this club has ever had.
“Rafael is perhaps more naturally talented than Gary. But he was making mistakes in games. Now we are all hoping that maturity will come along and the rashness disappears.”
