Twins are no longer United

After a few quiet days when the attention was almost entirely monopolised by Euro 2012, Fleet Street’s finest have jumped back into the transfer business as another midfielder is linked with a possible move to United.

Let’s start with the Telegraph and the Mirror as both report that Rafael has been given a new 50k-a-week- four year contract that will keep him at United until 2016.

Sir Alex Ferguson described Rafael as “one of the club’s brightest young prospects” and tipped him to “become one of the best full backs in the world,” and the Brazilian fullback will look to build on last season’s performances to nail a regular spot in the starting XI.

For one Brazilian staying, there’s another one going with Rafael’s twin brother Fabio making the long trip down south to West London.

The left back has joined QPR on a season-long loan as he looks to play first team football regularly.

Despite playing 53 times for the Red Devils, Fabio has never been a first choice, but Mark Hughes is optimistic about the Brazilian’s chances:

“It’s a great opportunity for us to loan a good, young player, who has decent experience of playing for a top club like Manchester United, he’s played a lot of senior games for United, so it shows the quality he’s got.

“I know they think very highly of him and we believe he has all the attributes to be a success here next season.

“First and foremost, he’s a good defender. He’s got great enthusiasm as well, and just like his brother, he’s a top professional.”

This leaves United with no cover for Patrice Evra in the left back spot, which could open the door for Leighton Baines who’s been on Fergie’s radar for some time now.

Meanwhile, it’s the time of the year when the Sun decides to fuel fans’hopes with their “Exclusives”.

The latest sees Neil Custis reporting that United are lining up a £25 million move for Porto playmaker Joao Moutinho, after growing fed up of chasing Luka Modric (who was, according to the same paper, on the verge of moving to Old Trafford less than a month ago) and won’t pay the £40 million Spurs want for the Croatian.

According to the Sun, despite the fact that former Porto manager Andre Villas Boas has joined Spurs less than 24 hours ago, Moutinho would still prefer a move up north.

 

Dan (@MUFC_dan87)