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Manchester United's Rafael da Silva ready to face Milan ace Ronaldinho
Youngster up for countryman's challenge...
9 Mar 2010 10:31:00
By Zack Wilson
Manchester United full-back Rafael da Silva insists that he is looking forward to renewing hostilities with Ronaldinho when AC Milan visit Old Trafford for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday night.
With Wes Brown out injured, the 19-year-old is competing with veteran Gary Neville for a place on the right side of the Red Devils' back four against Milan.
Although given a torrid time by his fellow countryman during United's 3-2 win in the first leg at the San Siro, Rafael is in no mood to shirk the challenge if called upon by Sir Alex Ferguson.
“It was a great privilege for me [to play in the first leg],” Rafael told United Review.
“It made me feel that the manager really trusts me by giving me the opportunity to play in this type of match. It’s a great feeling knowing that the manager believes in my ability to play at this level."
The young full-back's progress was hampered by injury at the beginning of this campaign but he has emerged as an integral memeber of the first team as the season has gone on.
He is feeling a lot stronger now after that early season frustration, and looking forward to more first team opportunities.
"Last year I had a lot of good opportunities to play in the first-team, so I was frustrated earlier this season to be injured because I thought that I would have a big chance to try to play in the team a lot this year," he added.
"But now I have recovered and I am back playing, I feel in good shape."
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With Wes Brown out injured, the 19-year-old is competing with veteran Gary Neville for a place on the right side of the Red Devils' back four against Milan.
Although given a torrid time by his fellow countryman during United's 3-2 win in the first leg at the San Siro, Rafael is in no mood to shirk the challenge if called upon by Sir Alex Ferguson.
“It was a great privilege for me [to play in the first leg],” Rafael told United Review.
“It made me feel that the manager really trusts me by giving me the opportunity to play in this type of match. It’s a great feeling knowing that the manager believes in my ability to play at this level."
The young full-back's progress was hampered by injury at the beginning of this campaign but he has emerged as an integral memeber of the first team as the season has gone on.
He is feeling a lot stronger now after that early season frustration, and looking forward to more first team opportunities.
"Last year I had a lot of good opportunities to play in the first-team, so I was frustrated earlier this season to be injured because I thought that I would have a big chance to try to play in the team a lot this year," he added.
"But now I have recovered and I am back playing, I feel in good shape."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
|
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