In light of this, and the fact that Rafael appears to be made of an extra brittle kind of glass; I think that one of the first things needed in January is some cover at right back.

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The assumption that he was injured between friday and sunday is quite rampant. Following LvG decision to start Fellaini for his tallness, it might just be because he needed Valencia to add height. Still no official news on rafa yet saying he was injured.

Van Gaal said he was injured in his pre match interview

Even if we went with Valencia for his height, Given Valencia is just back from injury we would have named him on the bench had he been fit.

I said when the window was closed and everyone was applauding Woodward that we needed cover at RB and CB/ LB. As good as rafael is, he misses to many matches.

Rafael is just as frustrating as Jones and co. He too misses too many games through 'niggles'.

And he's not exactly innocent of similar acts of petulance and brainfarts either. He too gives far too many soft free kicks away by tackling with his hands.

I honestly think we need another 2 cb's and a new right back. Only Shaw who I actually have faith in to do the business.

if Raf played today we would have played with 9 probably

His very rare mistakes get blown out of proportion and I can bet utd have conceded less goals from rafael's side of the pitch than through the middle or the left when rafael has been on the pitch. And the same can be said going 4wd. He made valencia looked worldclass for so long.

Rafael's main weakness is injuries, so as op said I will be looking for a new rb come january as valencia is dog mess and smalling is clueless in possesion

I have always like clyne and said it so many times last season that how it surprised me shaw got all the rave reviews when clyne was doing just as well.

Southampton full backs come at a premium so we can forget getting another one right now.

Rafael for me has not improve enough over years an still gets injure too much. He's not top drawer and never will be. He needs replacing.

Valencia isn't a footballer, he's an athlete.

Terrible, terrible player.

Valencia isn't a footballer, he's an athlete.
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this has been a problem in the modern game for a long time now.

Rafael is average / medicore. Valencia is just awful. Neither should be anywhere near a MUFC first 11 but sadly they both are.

We badly need to find a RB and at least one more CB who are both a) top quality and b) reliable.

Rafael is a player that many fans outside this club don't seem to rate at all.

I rate Rafael. Escept he has zero self discipline and in the big games especially is a red card waiting to happen

nothing to do with football, but Valencia is the moodiest looking git I've ever seen

he scowls when he scores

True, RBW.

I'm sorry but he can tackle, can track a man, can run all day, rarely gets outmuscled, can cross and can score a goal. How exactly is he average?

I tell you this now. I wouldn't be surprised to see Barca go for him now that alves is moving on.

I think Rafael has matured a lot more than some of you give him credit for. The only thing wrong with him is his injury record

Ffs, some of the bullshite on here is laughable.

How many red cards does rafa have??

Red card waiting to happen my ass

http://www.contactmusic.com/photo/antonio-valencia-manchester-united-player-of-the-year-awards_3665403

valencia 'excited' to be at the player of the year awards

comment by Stretford_Ender85 (U10955)
posted 7 minutes ago
Rafael is average / medicore. Valencia is just awful. Neither should be anywhere near a MUFC first 11 but sadly they both are.

We badly need to find a RB and at least one more CB who are both a) top quality and b) reliable.

Rafael is a player that many fans outside this club don't seem to rate at all.
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Hold the press

Opposition fan doesn't rate utd player.

I'll be damned, I never saw that happening

if Raf played today we would have played with 9 probably
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like against chelsea when he was up against the best wide player in the league? Please stop speaking out of your backside

Rafael was excellent for us last season (when he played) apart from his nightmare game against liverpool. He was flawless in fergie's last season as well. This season so far he has also been excellent, cannot blame him for chelsea's goal.

Please stop speaking out of your backside

He's by no means average.

The problem is that one of the most important attributes for a defender is consistency and he just cannot stay fit.

This is a problem with all of our defenders, to be fair.

It's getting to the point with Rafael, however, where signing a replacement may be for the best because he cannot stay fit, despite being more than good enough to be our first choice right back.

Who is the question. Can't think of many great right backs, to be honest. But one that can stay fit for a whole season is essential.

Can apply the exact same thing to cb's as well.

everyone rates Rafael. He's a very good player.

People just said "whoooa there horsey" when you made claims of him being one of the best fullbacks around. Because he isn't.

everyone rates Rafael. He's a very good player.
**

exactly.. but has a LOT to learn

comment by The Kaiser's Trainers (U5676)
posted 22 seconds ago
everyone rates Rafael. He's a very good player.

People just said "whoooa there horsey" when you made claims of him being one of the best fullbacks around. Because he isn't.
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In my probably slightly biased opinion he definitely is

In Fergie's last season only Zabaleta was better, and that was arguable.

But Zabaleta has maintained that high level whereas Rafael hasn't been able to put a consistent run of games in.

He's started this season well and then gets injured again.

It's a similar story with him, sadly.

A right back is a must regardless of whether it's as first choice or back up because Valencia is just not a right back.

He's not a footballer either. But that's another debate.