Rafael and Fabio - They play from full back, not at full backMany Manchester United fans would have been left frowning and/or a bit curious as to Sir Alex Ferguson's team selection recently for a home FA Cup clash vs. Arsenal.
An interesting tactic was utilized in using 7 defenders in the starting 11with many of the experienced players left on the bench.
Never one to question Sir Alex as he usually proves us all wrong when we do, I sat interested to see what this would mean to the game as Arsenal's side were well equipped to battle with United.
I won't go through a full match report as everyone will have seen the game by now. A couple of interesting points were raised from this defensive line up after victory vs. Arsenal. Rafael and Fabio were both very impressive and did not look out of place on the wing.
As the title of the article states, it seems the pair are playing from full back and not at full back. The typical Brazilian full back is licensed to attack more so than traditional European full backs, meaning these boys have got attack in their arsenal of weapons... Perhaps it is Manchester United's job to teach them the other part of the full back roll.
But what an exciting prospect this offers, 2 players able to play as "defensive" players or attacking wingers, in this instance it seems it is one in the same from these players. If they can master the defensive side of the game maybe the leash will come off the pair in the future and we will see them play full time as wingers.
AT
