Rafael sets sights on trophies in 2013

Rafael has expressed his determination to remain as consistent as possible and help Manchester United claim some silverware this season.

Rafael has already won the Premier League twice during his time a tOld Trafford but he is hungry for more glory and is looking forward to the rest of the campaign.



He recognises that each game will become increasingly important over the next few months and is keen to play a major role.



"My target for 2013 is like every player: we want to win trophies," the Brazilian said in the Daily Star.



"When you're at this club that has to be your focus. We all want to win and I want to play as many games as I can and be consistent in my performances.



"When you get into January you know the really important time in the season is not far away and there will be big game after big game.



"Every game is important, but after Christmas they become massive. Hopefully we can do well."



Rafael feels he has taken his game to another level in 2012 and says that becoming a father has made a big difference.



He said: "It's been a great year for me. I feel like I have grown up a lot and that I am maturing. My daughter was born this year, which has helped me a lot, too.



"I was only 18 when I first came here, I was just a boy.



"Some people may think I am still young and still a boy, but now I feel I'm a man."

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Rafael feeling right at home

Brazil right-back Rafael made an eye-catching contribution to his side’s opening match of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012, against Egypt in Cardiff.



 A Seleção’s much-vaunted attacking quartet may have stolen the show, but the Manchester United player did what he had to do and more, defending solidly and getting forward at every opportunity, so much so that he even opened the scoring in Brazil’s 3-2 win.



While the 22-year-old defender looked right at home on Thursday, he should feel even more comfortable come Sunday’s game against Belarus, when he will be patrolling the right flank at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, the place he has called home for the last five seasons.



“Well, I’ve been talking about that with the rest of the guys in the dressing room, telling them: “I’m going to play at home and you’re not’,” the ever-smiling Rafael told FIFA.com after his side’s win over the Egyptians. “I’ve been there for five years now. I know everyone and I think a lot of the fans who’ll be going to the stadium will know me well. I think the reception I’ll get will be different.”



The player’s already lengthy stay at one of the biggest clubs in world football has gone a long way to making him an undisputed first choice for Brazil’s Olympic team, the stepping stone he hopes for achieving his dream of a place in the side that will represent the country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.



“Playing for Manchester United gives me hope that I’ll be there at the World Cup. I’ve always said that,” added Rafael, who served his apprenticeship in Fluminense’s youth set-up. “I know I’ll have a lot of competition from some great players like Dani Alves, and I know how important it is to do a job for Mano [Menezes, the Brazil coach] whenever I’m playing for A Seleção. But I think I can do it.”





If his performance against Egypt is anything to go by, Menezes has every reason to be delighted with his right-back. Given the presence of Real Madrid’s adventurous full-back Marcelo on the other side of defence and the tendency of forwards Neymar and Hulk to drift out to the left, you could be forgiven for thinking that A Seleção have a preference for attacking down that flank.



With his continuous forays down the right, however, the Manchester United man brings balance to the side while also linking up intelligently with midfielder Oscar, who set up him up for his surprise goal against the Egyptians.



“Wow, did you see that? Oscar’s just too much,” exclaimed an appreciative Rafael, before jokingly lamenting the fact that his international team-mate will now be playing his trade for Chelsea, one of United’s biggest rivals: “He’s an incredible player. When I see him doing these amazing things it almost makes me feel sad to think that he’s gone to one of our rivals.”



Rafael is still adjusting the break-up of another and longer-standing partnership: the one he formed with his twin brother, left-back Fabio, who left Old Trafford in April to join Queens Park Rangers on loan. “In one way, it will be good for us to be apart,” said Rafael. “Perhaps it will help us mature a little more.”



The two had been together throughout their playing career, representing both Fluminense and Brazil at youth level prior to their joint move to Manchester in 2008.



“It could end up being a good thing for us,” concluded the right-back. “It could give us a different outlook on things. After all, we’ve been together for 22 years now. Fabio is happy there and I’m happy here, with the national team at Old Trafford. I’m going to be thinking of him, that’s for sure.”

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Rafael signs new United deal

Rafael has committed his future to Manchester United by putting his name to a new four-year deal.



The 21-year-old has been on United's books since 2008 and along with his brother Fabio, has blossomed into a regular member of the first-team squad and his reward is a new deal that ties him to the club until the end of the 2015/16 season.



"I am so happy to sign a new contract," Rafael told United's official website. "I love playing for Manchester United, there is a great team spirit here and a real desire to win.



"My time here has been unbelievable; winning two league titles, a league cup and a Club World Cup has made me hungry for more trophies. I would like to thank Sir Alex for his belief in me and I would also like to thank the fans for their support."



Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels Rafael has the potential to reach the top of the tree.



"Rafael is one of the club's brightest young prospects; he has no fear of playing and has great belief in himself," Ferguson said. "The boy has developed immensely since joining United, his energy and enthusiasm are a joy to watch.



"Rafael has all the attributes to become one of the best full-backs in the world and I am delighted he has signed a new contract."

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