Rafael Pleased To Make Return Against Tottenham

Rafael admits he is determined to help Manchester United enjoy a successful end to the season after completing a much-welcomed return from injury during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Brazilian right-back had not played for the senior team since 4 January when he suffered a fractured cheekbone during the FA Cup third round victory over Yeovil Town.

But after stepping up his recovery in recent weeks - notably scoring a wonder goal for the Under-21s - Rafa enjoyed a successful yet brief cameo appearance against Spurs by replacing Michael Carrick with 87 minutes on the clock.

“It was very good for me and it was also very important for me, to come into the game and play for the first-team again,” Rafael told ManUtd.com, before explaining his aims for the rest of the season. “I just want to be involved now. Of course, it was good to play. Training has been fantastic as well. Now I just want to be involved with the team and if I get a chance, then I want to play well.”

Prior to kick-off on Sunday, van Gaal claimed Rafael’s confidence had been boosted by his impressive strike for the U21s and the man himself is happy to admit his spirits are high.

“It was very good to score that goal. When you score a goal – no matter how good it is – it is always fantastic. I always seem to score with my left foot and they are always good goals. Apart from the goal at QPR, they have all been with my left foot!"

United’s attention now turns to this weekend’s match with Liverpool and a fixture that could have massive ramifications on the race for the top-four. As Rafael explains, the Reds will travel to Anfield with high hopes of securing a crucial victory.

“Of course this result is very good for our confidence ahead of the Liverpool game,” he admits. “It is very good to win a game against a team like Tottenham, playing some fantastic football with a high tempo and lots of energy. It has boosted our confidence. It is always tough to play there at Anfield, but I think it is very good to get this result before that game.”

Having previously scored a screamer away to the Merseyside outfit in 2012, United’s no.2 is eager to add to his tally of fine individual strikes: “I hope I can do it again… maybe with my left foot again!”