Manchester United fullback Rafael da Silva is enjoying his wing partnership with Antonio Valencia.

They have struck up a partnership that has proved the foundation for so many of Robin van Persie's goals.

Rafael said: "Maybe this season I am a little quicker in everything I do and every day I try to increase my crossing ability.

"Antonio is an incredible winger and day by day we work very hard on our partnership.

"Our South American connection has helped.

"Mr Ferguson is always demanding we be a better combination when we attack without forgetting what we must do in defence."