Rafael Rates Rival Defenders

After missing much of the first half of the season, Rafael da Silva tells United Review and ManUtd.com that he's determined to play his part in helping United retain the Barclays Premier League...

How would you describe your season so far?
It’s been a little difficult, obviously. I had a bad injury to my shoulder in August but now I’ve recovered and I’ve managed to play a few games. I just hope I can enjoy a better second half of the season than the first.

While you were out, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and even Antonio Valencia have played at right-back. Do you welcome the extra competition?
Of course. It’s a good thing when you have that sort of competition. When I watch Phil or Chris play at right back I just think, “Wow. Okay, I’m going to have to work even harder now if I want to get back in the team.” They’ve done really well.

How difficult is it to watch the games when you’re not playing?
It’s very, very hard. Being injured is the worst feeling in the world, but you can’t let yourself get too down. You just have to work hard, come into the training ground every day and do the exercises you know will help you recover. The staff here help a lot with that – they’re very good at varying the exercises, which keeps it interesting. Watching the games is the most difficult part, though. You’re in the stands but all you want to do is get out there and help.

You seem unlucky with injuries...
I know! Some of my injuries, you just don’t hear about people having them very often. I’ve dislocated my right shoulder twice now and needed an operation to help it heal. It’s not usual for footballers to injure shoulders. And twice! I can only say it must be down to bad luck.

Is it anything to do with your committed style of play?
I don’t know. Maybe. But that’s the way I play. I like to play with passion and when I’m on the pitch I can’t worry about getting hurt or stop making tackles. I just want to play football and give my all.

We know you like to do most things with your brother, Fabio. But getting injured at the same time...
[laughs] That’s what everybody was saying! It’s true that we like to go out together – we eat together, we go to the cinema together. But we didn’t plan to get injured at the same time. Definitely not! My brother’s always a big help to me when I’m injured, though, and I try and do the same for him when he’s out. It’s good to have somebody there to keep you positive.

So, how relieved are you to be back now?
I came back against Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup but picked up another small injury in that game. That was disappointing and it knocked my confidence a little but I played again against Blackburn on New Year’s Eve and I’ve played a few times since then. Every game helps and I think I’ve done quite well, so I’m confident I can get better and better.

Sir Alex played you in midfield against Blackburn. Were you surprised?
A little bit, yeah. But I’ve played there before for United so I knew what was expected of me. When the manager told me I was playing in midfield I wasn’t worried. I just thought, “I’m ready, let’s play!”. I’m a professional footballer so I’ll play anywhere. I probably did a little better when I moved back to my normal position, but I felt comfortable in midfield and would do it again. Maybe I’ll move there for good when I get a bit older. You never know! After all, look at Ryan Giggs and the way he has changed over the years. He’s even played at left back once or twice.

What have you made of the team’s performances this season?
At the beginning, we were unbelievable. It was brilliant. Now, it might not be so spectacular but we are still getting results. To be right up there alongside Manchester City is a big achievement when you consider the injuries we’ve had. We’ve had a lot of them this season and a lot of bad luck, too. But there’s no point complaining about those things. And anyway, we’re still in a good position.

What are your ambitions between now and May?
In many ways, it feels like it’s only the beginning of the season for me. I know it’s the end of January already, but I’m just getting started. So I’m really looking forward to playing as many games as possible and, hopefully, helping the team win another title.