Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced they have a future worldbeater on their hands in Rafael da Silva.

"There was a cautious note because we could not see him in an actual game as it was too late to get a work permit," explained Ferguson.

"It meant we had to sit and wait to see the real thing in proper games. We finally started him in a pre-season friendly at Peterborough and he took our breath away."

According to Ferguson there have been "a couple of defining moments" since that have convinced the United boss Rafael is no bit-part player.

One came in defeat at Arsenal, when Rafael was introduced as a substitute and scored, the other only 10 days ago in the victory over Manchester City.

"He took that game at Arsenal by the scruff of the neck," said Ferguson.

"He came on with an urgency to win the match for us. Every time the ball went on that side of the pitch, it was like a rat up a drainpipe. It was all done at electric speed.

"It was marvellous to see a young kid play like that in such a big game.

"Then his performance against City convinced us the boy is ready for it all. He is coping with everything and obviously, our gut feeling has been justified."