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Fabio da Silva Looking to Leave Manchester United Within the Next Year
October 10, 2013
Fabio da Silva is ready to call time on his Manchester United career in order to find first-team football.
As reported by ESPNFC, the unsettled left-back has confirmed he is avidly seeking another team in order to fulfill his ambitions:
I think the time has come and maybe in the next window or even next season, I think I might leave. There are good possibilities. I'm looking for other clubs. There's nothing certain, we'll leave it for later.
The 23-year-old Brazilian—who spent last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers—has failed to nail down a regular spot since heading to Old Trafford in July 2008.
Many would have expected Fabio to be in or around the starting XI at this point, especially as Rafael—the player’s twin brother—has become a fan favourite in the famous red shirt.
Fabio’s spell at Loftus Road was an ill-fated one, riddled with injury and the heartbreak of relegation, and he has since fallen behind Alexander Buttner in the pecking order to replace Patrice Evra.
With just one Premier League appearance to his name this season, the 23-year-old is ready to ply his trade elsewhere.
Despite developing alongside Rafael in Manchester, it is understood Fabio wishes to be closer to his family in Brazil. The player has outlined former club Fluminense as his possible destination, per ESPNFC’s report.
The affection I have for Fluminense is very big, for sure. I played there for seven years, and certainly if I have to go back to Fluminense I'm going with great pride because I have a special affection for them.
David Moyes’ public pursuit of Leighton Baines will have also pushed this situation along. The new United boss hunted his former colleague throughout the summer and is reported to be planning a £15 million bid plus Antonio Valencia to get his man, per Rob Draper of the Daily Mail:
United boss David Moyes is more convinced than ever he needs a top left-back after spending his first two months scrutinising the squad.
Patrice Evra was poor in the Manchester derby defeat three weeks ago while his understudy, Alex Buttner, is not considered up to the job.
Should United finally land Baines, Fabio’s position as fourth-choice left-back would certainly force him out of the club.
Since making his Red Devils debut on January 24, 2009, the out-of-favour defender has managed 54 appearances in all competitions, per the club's official website. He has scored two goals, the highlight being an opening strike during the 2-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal in 2011.
Now is the perfect time to part ways via a mutual agreement. Moyes’ plans appear to disregard Fabio—much like Sir Alex Ferguson's—and there is little use in him wasting away on the bench.
Although the player is unlikely to represent his nation at the 2014 World Cup, he possesses the talent and willingness to work hard for a spot at the 2018 tournament. Should Fabio return to Brazil, he will give himself every chance of getting his career back on track.