Manchester United fullback Rafael da Silva has received support over his costly Champions League dismissal against Bayern Munich in this season's quarterfinal.

Rafael will be 20 in July but former United full-back Denis Irwin believes the precocious youngster will learn from his Champions League horror.

"Rafa was vilified in some quarters for initially making the challenge on Ribery," Irwin told the Manchester Evening News.

"He has been prone to using his arms on occasions and that does leave you open to a yellow card. It was a very harsh lesson for him to learn considering the consequences of his actions.

"He has had a tendency to dive in or attempt to clumsily pull players back because he wants to win the ball back early.

"That happens when you are young and eager to be back in possession.

"But with experience he will learn not to dive in and he will understand he has to bide his time. That comes with age.

"In the meantime, you will make mistakes like he has done."

Irwin added: "I think Rafael is a brilliant prospect. He's a typical United full-back. It's in the Reds' nature to attack and they like a full-back to bomb on and help a winger. The team need them going down the line. But you have to be fully aware of your defensive duties as well.

"He reminds me very much of Patrice Evra when he first arrived at the club from Monaco.

"Pat was quick and loved to storm down the flank but the defensive part of his game needed attention. He learned quickly and is now the best left-back in the world.

"If Rafael picks up on Evra's game and also learns from someone like Gary Neville, then all these little things in his game that need improving will get ironed out.

"I can only see him getting better and better."