Manchester United Set to Send Fabio Da Silva out on Loan

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United left-back Fabio da Silva will go out on loan next season.

"I hope that Fabio will develop the same way as his twin," the manager wrote in the official match day programme. "To help him, he will go out on loan next season to give him concentrated first-team experience."

Fabio (along with his twin brother Rafael) came up through the youth setup at Brazilian club Fluminense. After initially being spotted by a United scout playing for one of Fluminense's youth teams, the then 17-year-old twins made the move to England in January 2008.

Rafael has made semi-regular appearances for Ferguson over the past four seasons. But the frequently-injured Fabio has failed to secure a consistent role in the United squad. Instead, he has been used as something of an emergency player, filling in only when and where it is absolutely necessary.

Ironically, one of Fabio's infrequent starts came on the absolute biggest stage available when he took the field in the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona. He was withdrawn in the 69th minute of the 3-1 defeat.

The lesser-used twin has only managed five appearances in the Premier League this term. Ferguson says the move is designed to provide Fabio more regular playing time and that the player understands the decision.