Van der Sar Hails Man Utd's Rafael

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Rafael Da Silva - Manchester United (PA)

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Edwin van der Sar has spoken about how highly he rates Manchester United's 18-year old Brazilian right-back Rafael today.

The defender, assigned a tough task in his first ever Manchester derby in marking compatriot Robinho, played with assurance and skill and helped his team-mates to a hard-earned clean sheet, something particularly appreciated by goalkeeper van der Sar.

"I didn't get a touch for the first 30 minutes because we were playing so well," said the Dutchman.

"At that point it was all about concentration for me and the defence. In the second-half it got a bit more difficult.

"They didn't have too many clear-cut chances because we defended really well. Rio, Nemanja and Patrice were great but Rafael at 18 played extremely well up against someone like Robinho.

"We never gave them a sniff and a good defence forms the foundation for success."

And van der Sar went on to comment on how much United needed the win, ahead of the somewhat maligned Club World Cup in Japan.

"It was a much-needed win for us and we need to keep getting three points in all our matches as in a couple of weeks when we play in the FIFA Club World Cup we will miss another game when we are in Japan," added the goalkeeper.

"It is easier when you are on top but we are the team having to chase this time and we cannot afford to drop points."

With Gary Neville looking like he is coming to the end of his distinguished career, United look to have a ready-made replacement lined up in the shape of the young Brazilian, whose twin brother Fabio is also at the club.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com