Former Manchester United fullback Paul Parker can see Rafael da Silva becoming first-choice this season in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.

"I think Rafael will be in the box-seat come the start of the season," Parker told the Manchester Evening News.

"When the manager is looking to put his best XI out in a must-win game then I believe the youngster will be the choice above the others. He is ready for it. I spoke to Sir Alex towards the end of last season and we chatted about the lad and he was raving about him. He absolutely loves him as a player.

"He is everything you like in a modern day full-back. Of course, there are parts of his game that need work on but I think he will have learnt from his first season and will come back an even better player.

"I think Liverpool have just bought the best English right-back in Glen Johnson from Portsmouth. He gets forward and makes goals. But Rafael can do all that as well. He obviously wasn't born to be a full-back. I think he started life as a winger in Brazil that's why he is so good attacking.

"He can be a bit rash with his defending at times. That is similar to Patrice Evra when he first joined the club. He realised that it wasn't about winning every single challenge but getting close to people. He learned when to go forward and when not to. Evra is now one of the best full-backs in the world. I am sure Rafael can learn from him and improve his game."