The presence of Rafael and then Fabio Da Silva on the United team-sheet in the past five days could be a sign of things to come.
The first half of the season for both twins was blighted by injury, but their involvement in the Wigan Athletic and Leeds United matches offers encouragement for the year ahead. Rafael scored his second goal for the club in the 5-0 romp against the Latics, while Fabio was arguably one of the Reds' better performers during Sunday's FA Cup defeat.
"Rafael was outstanding against Wigan and showed fantastic energy and desire," said Sir Alex, in a press conference prior to the Leeds match.
"We’ve always thought highly of Rafael and his brother. You couldn’t split them in looks or ability – they’re equally good and it's impossible to tell the difference without seeing the numbers on their shorts!
"Patrice Evra is a terrific example for them, but then again you can’t set Brazilians any targets. There's every possibility they’ll be our first-choice full-backs in five years."
Rafael and Fabio are now in contention for the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City. If they play, they'll be the latest United brothers to appear in a Manchester derby following Gary and Phil Neville in the '90s and Brian and Jimmy Greenhoff in the '70s.
"It'll be a hard game against City, a local derby with the usual ferocity and intensity," said Sir Alex, previewing the first leg at Eastlands. "Hopefully we'll have almost everyone fit by the second leg and we'll come through."
All material copyright