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A virtual unknown, even in his home country of Brazil, prior to the 2008/09 season, rampaging right-back Rafael quickly served notice of a bright, bombarding future at Old Trafford...

Start to finish: After the Da Silva brothers’ transfer from Fluminese was cleared in August, Rafael was given his chance to impress in a pre-season friendly against Peterborough. The Brazilian youth international seized it with a breathtaking display, leading Sir Alex Ferguson to describe his performance as "a sensation".

United have been monitoring Costa for over a year but interest from other European clubs has forced the English champions to step up their efforts.

The move for Costa follows the signing of other Brazilian youngsters Anderson, the Da Silva twins, Rafael and Fábio, and Rodrigo Possebon.

Reports suggest Costa has a £21m release clause in his contract, although United hope to bring that figure down.

Costa's agent Cesar Bottega said yesterday: "There have been informal conversations and I believe United would match those values"

Manchester United's Brazilian right back Rafael da Silva has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until June 2013.

The 18-year-old has had an excellent season for United, covering well for the injured Gary Neville and Wes Brown, who have both been sidelined for much of the season.

In total the identical twin, whose brother Fabio also plays at Old Trafford, has made 24 appearances for the club.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's website: "Everyone at the club has been very impressed and excited by his first year as a professional.

You may live anywhere inteh world, whilst they live in Manchester, but that doesn't mean you can't write to them!

A fantastic new website Contact The Players.com allows all Fabio and Rafael fans to write them an instant message - and guarantees they'll receive it!

Check out Fabio da Silva or Rafael da Silva!

Manchester United twins Fabio and Rafael Da Silva are set to snub Portugal and pledge their international careers to Brazil.

The twins were born in Brazil, however both hold Portuguese citizenship, which means they are eligible to play for either country.

Both Fabio and Rafael have already represented Brazil at Under-15 and Under-17 level, but as they have yet to play for the senior side there is still a slim chance they could play for Portugal.

Certainly Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz is one man who is hoping the Da Silva twins will decide their futures lie with his team.

Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed by Fabio in the Spurs match on Saturday night, and can't wait to see more of them!

"The da Silva brothers have got great temperament to play. They’ve got a winning mentality. Like Rafael, Fabio loves playing and loves training, the enthusiasm is always there. Confidence is something that those twins definitely aren’t lacking!

"Since they arrived they have been absolutely fantastic. Fabio has been a bit unlucky with injuries, but he’s definitely one for the future.”

Old Trafford is used to seeing stars being born but always cherishes the experience, and Ferguson finds nothing more sustaining than springing a new player on the game.

At 18, via his unexpected performances at right-back this season, Rafael Da Silva is already a sensation. Yesterday it was the turn of Fabio, his twin, to announce himself as a talent of substance.

Fabio, playing at left-back, was the outstanding performer of a vivid opening act that decided a game that petered out disappointingly.

Manchester United's Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael have revealed that former Red Devils assistant boss Carlos Queiroz is keen for them to switch allegiance to Portugal.

The 18-year-olds, who have represented the South American nation at under-15 and under-17 level, are yet to make their debuts for the senior team.

They are both understandably keen to play for their home country in the future, but Portugal coach Queiroz, formerly Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man at Old Trafford, is trying to tempt them to change their mind.

Rafael netted his first Premier League goal as Manchester United lost out in a hard-fought game with title-rivals Arsenal.

He did enough to impress, and took his goal with a composed chest and volley!

Rafael da Silva scored United's goal after coming on as a substitute and Ferguson has been hugely impressed by the young Brazilian full-back.

"He is a breath of fresh air," praised Ferguson. "He came on yesterday and grabbed the game.