Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie relieved for Possebon

11 Nov 2008 - 08:19:29

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he thought Rodrigo Possebon was set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he had to be stretchered off the pitch during the Carling Cup win against Middlesbrough in September.

The Brazilian teenager, who was caught by Emanuel Pogatetz, escaped serious injury although Ferguson thought at the time he had suffered a broken leg or ligament damage.

Possebon is expected to feature in the Carling Cup clash with QPR, but Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News: "We did worry. When I saw Rodrigo going off, it didn't look like he'd be seen again for quite a while.

"But there was no problem with the boy. He's a terrific kid and his temperament is excellent, which allowed him to get over it."

The veteran United boss is also delighted with the form shown by another South American teenager, full-back Rafael Da Silva.

The 18-year-old has already featured in seven first-team games this term, with Ferguson adding: "At Celtic, Rafael got a warning from the referee for the first tackle he made, when he brought down Shaun Maloney. The crowd reacted as though he'd chopped the boy in two.

"For ten minutes the little lad was unsettled, which is understandable at 18. After that he was absolutely brilliant. I was delighted an 18-year-old lad could do that.

"He has such character and talent - and great courage. He's got that Brazilian mentality. He wants to get on it all the time."