Rafael has a cult like following amongst Manchester United fans.
His curly hair, his relationship with brother Fabio, his reaction to Carlos Tevez in the derby in 2010 and the sense that he would run through a brick wall for the team – United fans love him.
He’s a fan favourite and he loves the fans too so he was delighted to have been accepted by the fans the way he has:
“It’s great to win something voted by the fans.
”The supporters have helped me since I came here and I’m very happy with that.
“Since I arrived here, the fans have been amazing, singing songs for me or stopping me and telling me I’m a true Red.
“I’ve been coming here to training since I was 15 years old, a long time, so I feel like I am a true Red.”
Rafael has inherited the number 2 shirt, famously worn by Gary Neville, and it seems some of Neville has rubbed off on the Brazilian this season as his solid performances (as well as a wonder goal at Anfield) saw him named Player of the month. Speaking to ManUtd.Com, the full back said:
“I’m very happy to win this award, especially since I found out that defenders never win it.
“It’s just an honour to win, especially to beat Paul Scholes, and I’m very proud.
“It was a good month for me, very consistent, playing many games and of course scoring the goal at Liverpool was the high point for me. I think scoring at Anfield probably helped a lot with the voting!”
I guess, it comes down to 12252 simple choice!