Source: Telegraph
Rafael da Silva will learn from Ronaldinho runaround, says Man United's Alex Ferguson
Brazilian full-back Rafael endured a difficult evening against the former World Footballer of the Year in the San Siro.[LNB]Although former Barcelona star Ronaldinho tired in the closing stages of Milan's defeat, his first-half performance provided a reminder of just why Ferguson attempted to sign the Brazilian playmaker from Paris St Germain to replace David Beckham in 2003.[LNB] Related ArticlesAC Milan 2 Man United 3Ferguson: Milan 'couldn't handle' RooneyRooney's frustration helps bring turnaroundWatch new Wayne Rooney adDebate: Can United win the Champions League?Leonardo: it's not over for MilanRonaldinho's third minute goal was followed by a number of tricks and skills that left Rafael, 19, bewildered and exposed by his fellow countryman.[LNB]But despite his turbulent display, Ferguson insists that Rafael will quickly fulfil his potential and learn from his evening against Ronaldinho.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'Ronaldinho has always had a great talent. His game dropped away for a year or so, but he is back to his best now and he was a handful for a young player like Rafael.[LNB]'The reason I played him was quite simple, though. Namely that we have invested in a great future with him and we were not going to stop the rewards of that because we were playing AC Milan.[LNB]'He has to learn and, against Ronaldinho, he will have quickly discovered that this is the real world.[LNB]'He made some mistakes, but he won't make them next season. He will eradicate those mistakes because the boy is an outstanding talent.'[LNB]Can Manchester United win the Champions League? Have your say... [LNB]Manchester United were comprehensively beaten 3-0 on their last clash against AC Milan in the San Siro in 2007, but midfielder Darren Fletcher claims last night's performances highlighted the progress made by Ferguson's team since then.[LNB]He said: 'As players you get more mature every season and pick up more experience and you learn how to cope with these sorts of situations.[LNB]'We were maybe a bit naïve in the past, but hopefully the performance in Milan shows we have come a long way.[LNB]'We need to maintain these standards in the Champions League, though. It's no good resting on your laurels thinking you've made it because there are too many other teams with so much quality.'[LNB]
