QPR boss gives his assessment on Manchester United loanee Fabio

By Tom Moore Thursday, December 27, 2012
12:00 PM

Harry Redknapp sees no reason why Manchester United loanee Fabio Da Silva, who is on loan at QPR for the season, can’t match his more illustrious twin brother Rafael.

The Brazilian full back made his first start for the R’s since the 65-year-old took over in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday, after being limited to five minute cameos as a substitute against Fulham and Wigan.

Although he struggled initially to deal with Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, the 22-year-old grew into the game and produced a creditable performance at St James’ Park.

While all the talk has been about Jose Bosingwa’s refusal to be a substitute against Fulham, Redknapp has been impressed with the attitude Fabio has shown, even when he has been left on the bench.

“He’s a good lad,” the QPR boss told London24. “He’s a nice lad as well.

“He’s enthusiastic and he has a good attitude. He’s been fine.”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that there is not much to choose between Fabio and his twin brother.

However, the Red Devils’ boss believes that Rafael is ahead of the R’s loanee, purely because of the first-team experience he has had at Old Trafford.

“Ability wise, there’s very little between the two,” Ferguson said. “But Rafael’s got more experience now because he’s played more games for us.”

When asked whether Fabio could match, or even better, Rafael, Redknapp said: “I don’t know really.

“They’re both good players.

“Hopefully he can be.

“There is no reason he can’t be.”

So far this season, Fabio has made eight Premier League appearances for the relegation threatened R’s, with five of those being starts.

The full back, though, faces a battle with Armand Traore, who would have started at Newcastle were it not for injury, for the left back spot for Sunday’s game with Liverpool at Loftus Road.