Rafael: This is my best season yet for Manchester United

Rafael: This is my best season yet

23/02/2013 11:10:00 PM

The Manchester United full-back believes he has added consistency to his impressive array of attributes this term, but admits he still sees room for improvement in his displays

Rafael believes he is playing the best football of his Manchester United career this season, but insists he can still improve.

The Brazilian has been a key member of Sir Alex Ferguson's side this term, making 31 appearances in all competitions, with only Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra featuring more often.

RAFAEL AND FABIO: BROTHERS NOT IN ARMS

COMMENT: Rafael leaving Fabio behind with Manchester United progress

And when asked by MUTV if this is his best season yet at United, the defender responded: "I think so. I have played many games very consistently so it is probably my best season here.

"Of course, I think there are some games where I feel I could have done more - I should have done this or should have done that better. I definitely still want to improve."

Despite not playing every match, the defender believes he learns valuable information just by watching from the sidelines.

"I am just rested sometimes," he added. "We have to rest so I'm happy because we won [against Reading last Monday] to stay in the FA Cup.

"I always want to play. I think every player wants to play in every single game but, when you're not playing, you can learn from things. I was there watching and can learn a lot.

"I think because it was a big game [against Real Madrid], I expected a lot more of myself and I thought I had to win every ball. I think I came out for the first half thinking like that. I thought, 'I need to win this ball' and, if I did something wrong, then I really had to win the next ball.

"At half-time, the boss came to speak to me and I realised: 'Come on, it's the same as it has been all season. I don't have to win every ball.' So I think I did better in the second half."

Inside Goal.Com

Real Madrid are better off without Jose Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he is leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
In Off the Post Podcast: Merrick makes return
The team from Goal Australia and Sportal take you through all the big news in football, including Ernie Merrick's A-League return and the forthcoming Champions League final
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Merrick's chance to prove his point at Phoenix
Bren O'Brien ponders Ernie Merrick's A-League return with the Wellington Phoenix and if we will see a change in the man to the one that led Melbourne Victory to two championships
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Goal.com