Fabio Da Silva

Fábio da Silva is a talented young defender currently playing for Manchester United.

Quick, confident on the ball and always looking to get forward, he is almost the archetypal modern full back, naturally right-footed but typically used on the left flank.

Fábio and his twin brother Rafael were spotted by Red Devils’ scouts playing for Fluminense in the Nike Cup at the age of 15 and were immediately snapped up by the Old Trafford club, although FIFA regulations prevented them moving to Europe until they turned 18.

Finally cleared to play in the summer of 2008, a number of niggling injuries and the superb form of Patrice Evra made for a frustrating first two years in England for Fábio, who largely had to make do with reserve football and a bit-part role while watching his brother make an immediate impact in the first team.

The 2010-11 season saw him make a breakthrough however, the Brazilian making regular appearances in both full-back positions and in midfield, his fine form eventually seeing him getting the nod ahead of his brother for the Champions’ League Final at Wembley.

Fabio has represented Brazil at U17 level, and captained the team at the 2007 FIFA U17 World Cup tournament.

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