donald p to sign for united:

Its arguable that Rafael wasn't really fit to start Arsenal game either. I'd definitely take him over Smalling there.

Why wouldn't he be fit? He didn't come back from any injury. Smalling isn't a full back, so I'd rather Rafael too, but the latter can't be trusted at the moment.

It's just a number, not that big deal. Bigger thing is that he is able to play series of games without injuries. He is the most talented RB United has in it's ranks by far (if not counting Fabio ofc but he is more of LB). Smalling is not really that well suited to playing on side in the end even tough he can definitely do deacent job there when necessary. Jones on the other hand is quite capable of playing all around the park but he still is bit better suited being in the middle of the park or as centre half. Thats about it for real choises anyway apart from Da Silva brothers. So lets hope they get their fitnes and form up there and things finally get positive for them. Rafael /possibly Fabio too can reach better level at FB position than any other players in United squad and Rafaels game against Liverpool was very good. Much better than what Evra and i'd even go that far than better than what Evra has offered in a while. So All the best to Da SIlvas, United really needs bit of creativity from FB positions combined to energetic defending and that is what Da Silvas can offer.

Its arguable that Rafael wasn't really fit to start Arsenal game either. I'd definitely take him over Smalling there.

donald p to sign for united:

You can't read that much into one game. Evans kept Rio out at Everton but that wasn't permanent.

Rio wasn't 100% fit, and it wasn't one game. Infact, I'm yet to see Jones and/or Smalling on the bench with Rafael starting.

You can't read that much into one game. Evans kept Rio out at Everton but that wasn't permanent.

Mazz:

mosley909:

he isn't number 1 choice, if everyone was fit, jones or smalling would play thier.

Why's that? If everyone was fit we'd be using our natural RB, not playing players out of position, Rafael is a great talent and if you think he'd be forced out of the starting lineup when he's not injured by out of position players you're taking something pretty dodgy.

Actually, he's right. Both Smalling and Jones already kept Rafael on the bench.

He should have it but he is so injury prone he may never get the opportunity. Still learning the game as always worries me when he has been booked. Time is on his side, not sure if he will play tonight against a big Stoke team. With 2 short defenders may cause problems.

Jones is needed for other positions and Smalling is definitely not a full back.

mosley909:

he isn't number 1 choice, if everyone was fit, jones or smalling would play thier.

Why's that? If everyone was fit we'd be using our natural RB, not playing players out of position, Rafael is a great talent and if you think he'd be forced out of the starting lineup when he's not injured by out of position players you're taking something pretty dodgy.

He is getting close

His performance at Anfield was possibly the best by any United fullback this season. Fitness is a problem with him at the moment, he doesn't back down from anything which can get him into trouble at times with knocks.

he isn't number 1 choice, if everyone was fit, jones or smalling would play thier.

He needs a long run of games, injury free and hold that spot down. Then maybe he might get the no.2.

MancunianRobA:

He won't get it until he proves he can play a string of full games without getting injured or dangering us with a daft yellow.

Yea, this is probably the case.

I don't think the club will take family sentiment into account though. They sent poor aul Phil Neville packing, didn't they?

Mark-the-red-23:

I'd agree but i don't think it would ever happen, because it would dent fabio wouldn't it, he wont get the number 3 off evra for a few years yet (if he ever does) so i think they'll change both there numbers at once or non.

My thoughts exactly.