Rafael backs United to weather the storm

Manchester United FC defender Rafael "can't believe" his side failed to score at FC Internazionale Milano but, despite being ruled out himself of tonight's second leg at Old Trafford through injury, the 18-year-old Brazilian is confident his team-mates can finish the job. Here in a Q&A with uefa.com users, the Brazilian full-back discusses the great camaraderie at Old Trafford, breaking into the United side and playing alongside his twin brother.

What are your thoughts on the second leg against Inter?
Paul Stanley, Melbourne, Australia

Rafael: We had so many good chances to be in a better position for the second leg that I still can't believe we are actually under some pressure at Old Trafford because of the away goals rule. But United proved at San Siro that we can impose our style against a team like Inter. This is the Champions League and anything can happen, but I still believe we can qualify for the next round in front of our own supporters.

Will United allow José Mourinho's mind games to get to them?
Justin Scharneck, South Africa

Rafael:Footballers don't really get too involved in these games – at least I don't, since my grasp of English is not good enough yet for me to be aware of all the banter going around. Mourinho is a respected manager and likes to talk, but I am quite sure he's making Inter work hard.

What does it mean to you to play in the UEFA Champions League and what does Sir Alex Ferguson say to give you a boost before the start of a game?
Patrick Takougnadi, Lomé, Togo

Rafael:Ferguson is like a father for me and I like the way he seems to know everything that is going on. He can be quite teacher-like and, as everybody knows, quite fiery in the dressing room, but most of the time he will just make sure we all know what to do.

Do you think United can go all the way and lift the Champions League trophy once more?
Mark Said, Malta

Rafael:I look at our team and I have to say, 'yes'. No disrespect to other sides but United have an amazing group of players and almost all of them were here last season when the team won the Champions League. It's not easy, though, and apparently the last team to defend a European Cup successfully was AC Milan in the 1990s. Maybe you can ask me this question again in a couple of weeks.

Which is your best moment so far in a United shirt?
Fazil, Karachi, Pakistan

Rafael:I am tempted to say that goal against Arsenal, my first in the United shirt. It was quite special. It was a sweet strike too, by the way. But I was also pretty chuffed with my performance against Manchester City when Sir Alex told me that I had totally outplayed Robinho.

Is it a fluke that you're right-footed and your twin brother Fabio is left-footed or were you trained that way?
KPA, London

Rafael: It has always been natural for us and there was really no intent on our part, especially when you think that at one point in our careers I was playing as a defensive midfielder and Fabio as a striker. But I totally understand that people are a bit puzzled.

I know it's early on in your career but you and your brother are being tipped for big success as wing backs for United and Brazil. How do you think you compare to the likes of Cafu and Roberto Carlos?
Andy, Scotland

Rafael:We are trying not to think about this yet. It's too early even for us to be mentioned in the same sentence as those two. They are legends who have won the World Cup and played at the top European level while my brother and I are still trying to get into the Brazil side and find our place at United. We do have something in common, though; the four of us are typical Brazilian full-backs who love going forward.

It must have been a daunting prospect trying to make the United squad, so what advice would you give to other young players trying to get a place on the first team?
Wally, Northern Ireland

Rafael:Patience is fundamental, but I reckon the most important thing is to listen to what people have to say. At the same time you have to be prepared to sweat blood in order to learn things and be ready for when you are needed. I am not saying it's easy, but you have to try.

Do you believe it is possible to stay loyal to United until the end of your career like Ryan Giggs?
Tarik Alami, Rabat, Morocco

Rafael:Ryan Giggs is a United legend and his commitment is an example for any player. Having said that, each case is unique, and maybe a player who leaves a club does not always do so because he wants to. I just hope to give it my best shot at United and hopefully I will be able to help this club win as many trophies as possible.

Your play is amazing and I have heard that your brother is just as good. When do you think we will see your brother playing alongside you?
Elias Tsarouhas, Markham, Ontario, Canada

Rafael:We are young. Fabio's chance will hopefully come and he will be able to show people how good he is. At the moment we are here to learn and help the team. One day at a time.

Who inspires you the most at Manchester United?
Pamella, USA

Rafael:We still feel a bit in awe in the dressing room with so many stars around, but once you get to know them it becomes more respect than anything. Rio Ferdinand is a great team-mate, always smiling and joking, but guys like Giggs and Paul Scholes, who have been around for so long at the top level, inspire you a lot too. Obviously, Sir Alex oozes charisma and it's impossible not to feel privileged to work with him.

When you were a kid what was your favourite football club from Europe?
Vladana Lilic

Rafael:The Premiership wasn't on Brazilian TV so much when I was growing up, so we used to watch a lot of Spanish and Italian football. My brother and I liked to watch Barcelona and Real Madrid, but there was no real attachment to any club specifically.

You are on course to succeed a player who made the right-back position his own for more than a decade in Gary Neville; a man who lives and breathes United and is the current captain. What are your thoughts and feelings on that?
Manendra Subba, Hong Kong

Rafael:Gary and his brother Phil are legends at this club. We would be happy to achieve at least half of their success at United, but of course we want to create our own piece of history at the club.

Being only 18 how do you cope with the pressures of playing for Manchester United? What do you enjoy most about playing for a club like United with such a great history?
Craig Titus

Rafael:I just try to do my work and not think too much about that. A few years ago I did not imagine that I would be wearing a Manchester United shirt one day, but that doesn't mean that I just feel lucky or anything like that. The club obviously saw something in me and my brother to bring us to England so this also gives us some confidence. As for the last part of the question, I love everything here, apart from this terrible weather.

Do you have a friendly rivalry with your brother?
Gary Thorpe, Bergen, Norway

Rafael:Yeah, but we love playing together. He told me the other day that I should enjoy that strike against Arsenal because it was probably the only time in our lives that I had outscored him.

Who do you tip to be the next Brazilian to make it big in Europe?
Miloud Yousfi, Denmark

Rafael:That's a tough question because Brazil has so many talented players and they can just come out of nowhere. Just take my brother and I, for example.

Rafael was speaking to Fernando Duarte