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Manchester United's title-winning twins and Rafael and Fabio da Silva often left former Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson baffled.

The legendary manager signed the Brazilian full-back brothers from from Fluminense in 2008 - and the pair's similar appearances meant the Scot often got the two confused.

Fergie awarded Rafael 169 United appearances and Fabio 56 with the duo lifting the Premier League title together in 2010/11.

But that did not stop him mixing them up.

“It happened many, many times,” Rafael told FourFourTwo magazine.

“It wasn’t rare that before training he’d look at me and say: ‘Come on, go to the left wing.’ When that happened, I used to just look at him. Then he’d go: ‘I meant right wing, Rafael!’ It’s funny to remember it – Fergie is a special person in my life.

“He’s the best manager I’ve ever worked with, no doubt. I learned so many things from him and I will be grateful for that forever. He’d always have some good advice to tell you at training.

"He knew exactly how to deal with each of his players – ones who’d improve with some compliments and motivation, and ones he’d need to be severe with. That, plus his knowledge of the game, made him the best.”

Rafael, 27, is hopeful United can win the title again under Jose Mourinho, adding: “I was very happy [at United] and grew up both as a man and as a player, too.

“I feel confident after the signings they’ve made – I hope they will become Premier League champions this season."

Rafael won three Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup with United, before joining Lyon in 2015.

Fabio left Old Trafford for Cardiff City in 2014 and moved on to Middlesbrough two years later.

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