Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has received a call up for Brazilian National squad after missing out on the World Cup squad. Rafael and Lucas were the only Premier League players named for the 10 August friendly against the United States.

Just four players in Menezes's squad - Dani Alves, Ramires, Thiago Silva and Robinho - played for Brazil at the World Cup in South Africa.

Rafael has yet to be capped by Brazil, though Lucas has played three times.

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Many Brazilians like Deco and Pepe choose to play for Portugal after being overlooked by the Brazilian team.

That is not the case with Manchester United's Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael da Silva have ruled out pledging their international future to Portugal.

The pair, who have both played for Brazil U17, qualify for Portugal through family connections and there are concerns they could turn their back on Brazil.

Fabio and Rafael are set to play in the US in the off-season.

Manchester United will play in Toronto; Philadelphia; Kansas City, Mo.; and Houston as part of a preseason North American tour.

"It's great to be going back to North America," manager Alex Ferguson said. "I enjoyed the last two tours there in 2003 and 2004 immensely. The quality of the facilities is outstanding and there is real enthusiasm in the crowds."

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Former Manchester United full-back Viv Anderson has backed Rafael da Silva to learn from his sending off nightmare as the Red Devils crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals to FC Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Rafael received two yellow cards each side of half-time, a dismissal that turned into a pivotal moment in an eventual 3-2 win for United which condemned them to an away-goals exit.

However, former England international Anderson believes Rafael will learn from the bad experience and go on to become a big United star.

Rafael Da Silva believes that facing fellow countryman Ronaldinho in the Champions League has been the biggest test so far of his young career.

Facing a player who is considered such an icon in his homeland could have overwhelmed another man, but Manchester United's Rafael thrived in the experience, despite his tough evening in Milan.

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ir Alex Ferguson described Fabio da Silva’s Champions League debut as “outstanding” after the Brazilian teenager impressed in Manchester United’s victory over CSKA Moscow last night. da Silva, twin to team mate Rafael, started United’s match at left-back after Patrice Evra failed to make the plane to Moscow.

Fabio produced a dynamic display in support of Nani, using his pace to add penetration to United’s attacking display.

“He was absolutely outstanding,” said Sir Alex Ferguson.

“The boy is a magnificent player at only 18 years of age. Absolutely first class.”

Manchester United have been boosted by the return of Gabriel Obertan and Rafael da Silva from injury.

French winger Obertan made his debut for United in the Manchester Senior Cup, completing the first half of the 3-0 win over Oldham Athletic. Brazilian full-back Rafael also featured, returning from a shoulder injury.

Obertan joined United on a four-year deal from Ligue 1 champions Bordeaux in July for a £3 million fee, but was immediately sidelined by a spinal problem.

Rafael has also been out since the summer, having undergone a shoulder operation.