Rafael and Fabio are set to be separated for the first time in their careers this season, with Fabio a cert to leave the club on loan this summer.
Whilst Rafael is on his way to making the right back spot his own, Fabio has struggled for playing time ahead of the ever present Patrice Evra. So at a stage in his career where games are essential to his development, Fabio has been mentioned as a potential signing for Benfica, but more recently QPR.
A rumoured move for Everton’s Leighton Baines has muddied the waters in regards to Fabio’s future at United, but with nothing set in stone all he can do is go out on loan, get the games under his belt and perform.
Where ever Fabio ends up the playing time will do him the world of good and former United defender Arthur Albiston agrees as he told the club’s official website:
“There’s been all sorts of names touted around by agents, the manager and staff have got to look all the time for emerging, young players and Fabio is going out on loan so he’ll benefit from that. He needs to play 20-30 games to get some experience.
“He’s got to grow up and he should be fine. His brother has played more games and is used to everybody now so he should be fine with them being apart as it makes you grow up.”
Albiston is very impressed with Rafael and fully believes that Fabio’s twin is deserving of his starting berth despite occasional mishaps:
“Rafael is so lively and bouncy – he’s like a cat on a hot tin roof. He’s just so springy. He’s got to learn things as he definitely got caught out in a couple of games, notably the Everton draw when it was highlighted.
“But he’s still learning and is only a young lad. It’s all happening quickly for him in the time he’s been here and he’ll benefit from any disappointments.”
