25 Apr 2013 20:22:41
Not sure if anyone else mentioned this amongst the furore of Monday night but I was gutted Rafael's shot hit the post, would have been another screamer for him! I think he's been a bit low key in recent times after playing so much before Christmas (for us and at the Olympics) but I thought he looked refreshed and back to his best on Monday night. What a great season he's had. Let's hope he stays fit and keeps improving next season because if he does we have a real top class RB on our hands.

Makes me really chuffed to see such promising youngsters as Rafael, DDG and Jones in the squad. We have a few other's who are not far off this level too which is good news for the squad going forwards.

1.) 25 Apr 2013
Completely agree Gav, I think he has been tremendous all year. He's stopped diving in as much and if he improves as much next year, we will have some player on our hands.

2.) 25 Apr 2013
I like Rafael, he has real potential but even now he can still be a little too impetuous and give away free kicks when he could stay goal side and on his feet. He needs to learn a little more patience

Red Man {Ed004's Note - But that will come with experience}

3.) 25 Apr 2013
Ed004 I totally agree, he needs to learn and I believe he will. If nothing else he should be able to hear me shouting goal side and don't jump in from where I sit!

Red Man

4.) 25 Apr 2013
We have a good quality of youngsters in De Gea, Rafael, Smalling and Jones but we seem to lack in the midfield and attacking front in that sort of age range and that is where we should be blossoming as they cost the most when they develop and we have to go and spend £30+million. We have to be looking at youngsters in the summer to try and nab them under £5 or so million and then try to develop our starting eleven with some good investment.

5.) 26 Apr 2013
I was a little worried when we let both Brown and O'Shea go as Rafael was still quite raw. But he has developed into a fine player. Still has so much time being just 22.

Speaks volume about our education that we can bring talented kids from really diverse backgrounds and turn them into the best players on the planet.

6.) 26 Apr 2013
Pity same has not happened with bebe anderson nani tosic to name but a few