Rafael Keen For Regular First Team Action

Rafael Da Silva was chuffed to return to first team action when Manchester United took on Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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After struggling with injury issues all season, the Brazilian had previously returned to the team against Yeovil at the start of January but that would be his last appearance until Sunday’s match.
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It appears Louis van Gaal prefers the stability of Antonio Valencia at right-back but it seemed there might be a way back for Rafael after Valencia’s error knocked United out of the FA Cup last week.
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Van Gaal’s choice to also play Patrick McNair at right-back recently appeared to spell the end for Rafael but whatever happens, he is simply happy to be back in the team after playing the final five minutes against Tottenham.
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“It was very good for me and it was also very important for me, to come into the game and play for the first-team again,” Rafael said.
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“I just want to be involved now. Of course, it was good to play. Training has been fantastic as well. Now I just want to be involved with the team and if I get a chance, then I want to play well.”
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Rafael scored a superb goal against the same opposition in the U21s league in the week leading up to the pitch and the player himself was delighted to score such a good goal, even if it wasn’t for the first-team.
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He added: “It was very good to score that goal. When you score a goal – no matter how good it is – it is always fantastic. I always seem to score with my left foot and they are always good goals. Apart from the goal at QPR, they have all been with my left foot!”
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Whilst it appears unlikely the defender will return to the team against Liverpool this weekend, he does boast a good left-footed strike of his own at Anfield, drawing United level back in 2012, the last time United won at Liverpool.