Player review: Rafael

It’s sometimes easy to forget Rafael is still a teenager... like when he more than held his own against Ronaldinho in the San Siro, or shackled Franck Ribery and terrorised the Bayern Munich left side at Old Trafford.

Story of the season: Like so many other Reds defenders, Rafael's season was blighted by injuries. Shoulder trouble in pre-season meant his first appearance of 2009/10 only came in late October, and that was in the centre of midfield at Barnsley. Sporadic outings at right back followed but by Christmas the young Brazilian had only chalked up five appearances. He'd go on to make 11 more before the season's end, but an ankle injury sustained in the Carling Cup final limited him to just two starts from March onwards.

Finest moment: He netted United's third in a 5-0 home win over Wigan, but it was his performances in Europe that really caught the eye. Thrust into action at the San Siro, and up against his countryman Ronaldinho, he passed the test with flying colours. In the next round he dazzled for 45 minutes in the home leg against Bayern Munich, keeping Franck Ribery quiet and injecting pace and invention to the Reds' forward forays.

What’s in store? Nobody would dare suggest he’s the finished article yet, but United fans have certainly seen enough to suggest he’s good enough to nail down the right-back spot on a permanent basis when Gary Neville hangs up his boots.

ManUtd.Com

Player review: Obertan

The Old Trafford faithful only saw glimpses of Gabriel Obertan during his first campaign as a United player. But in those 13 appearances, he showed plenty of promise...

Story of the season: After a back injury delayed his debut, Obertan first pulled on a Reds shirt in the Carling Cup fourth round tie at Barnsley. He impressed enough to be given a league debut (as a substitute) at Old Trafford four days later. The nerves that day got the better of him (he ran the ball out of play with his first touch before later spurning a glorious chance to score) but he soon settled and became a viable attacking option from the bench.

Finest moment: Away in Wolfsburg in the final Champions League group stage game, Obertan came off the bench to dazzle on the left wing. Indeed, Michael Owen owes the second of his three goals that night almost entirely to the Frenchman, who wriggled past two defenders before teeing up the striker with a precise pass across the six-yard box.

Strongest attribute: Dribbling. When Ronaldo left, fans feared all the skill and trickery had gone with him. What they didn't know then, however, was just how good Gabriel Obertan is with the ball at his feet. Confident, quick and direct, the former Bordeaux star will terrorise plenty of defenders in the coming years.

What's in store? Injuries hampered Obertan's first season at United, but he'll undoubtedly be given more chances to shine in 2010/11. At just 21 years of age, this young touchline sniffer certainly has the ability to forge a rich future at United

ManUtd.Com