Manchester United: Ranking the Brazilians to Have Played for the Red Devils

In 2010, former Barcelona striker Giovanni described now Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal as "the Hitler of the Brazilian players."

Speaking to Marca, he said (h/t Goal.com)

"

Van Gaal is the Hitler of the Brazilian players; he is arrogant, proud and has a problem.

My life with him was horrible, the Brazilians did not want him, he put me down and also fought with Rivaldo and Sonny Anderson. He always gave us the excuse that we were not training well.

"

The Red Devils have not had the best of luck with players from that most storied of footballing countries and none of the players on this list have been an unqualified success.

All the Brazilians to represent United are featured here, including those who have played for other nations at youth level. They are judged on their impact at United rather than as a measure of absolute ability.

Andreas Pereira

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The youngster who has also played for Belgium at youth level has impressed for United's academy sides. He is bottom of this list as he has made just one senior competitive appearance, and that was in United's ill-fated trip to MK Dons earlier this season. 

Big things may lie ahead for the youngster, although according to reports, per Calcio Mercato (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), United risk losing Andreas Pereira as "there are no shortage of takers" who would interested in the youngster's services.

Rodrigo Possebon

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Rodrigo Possebon looked on the verge of being incorporated into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team squad, having featured heavily in the League Cup and occasionally as a substitute in the FA Cup and the Premier League in the 2008/09 season. 

However, he was sent on loan to Braga and never played for United again. He pips Pereira by having made more senior appearances.

Kleberson

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Kleberson's spell at Manchester United is hardly a highlight during the World Cup winner's career.

Suffering an injury almost immediately upon his arrival, Kleberson played just 30 times for United and few of those performances warranted positive attention. 

A personal anecdote sums up his time at Old Trafford well. Sat in the Stretford End during a particularly poor performance, a gentleman behind me was heard to observe of the Brazilian, "he should be made to give his World Cup medal back after this." 

Hardly a Manchester United legend.

Fabio Da Silva

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Fabio started the 2011 Champions League final for United. He seemed to be a safer choice than his brother, whose recklessness had cost United dearly in the 2010 quarter-final with Bayern Munich. 

However, from there, his drop-off was precipitous and by January 2013, he had been sold to Cardiff City. 

He loses out to Anderson mostly on the basis of Anderson's first season promise and the senior man's appearance numbers, which dwarf Fabio's.

Anderson

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Anderson being second on the list is indicative of how little impact Brazilians have been able to make at Old Trafford. After some fine early showings, it has been all down hill for Anderson as injuries and very patchy form made him an ever-less important part of the squad. 

Although some fond memories of Anderson remain—his penalty in Moscow and the faces he pulled at 'keepers during free-kick routines, mainly—his United career was mostly a bust. 

A bust during which he accumulated a very impressive medal haul but a bust nonetheless.

Rafael Da Silva

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Rafael looked to be emerging as an impressive, tenacious, determined and conscientious right-back during Sir Alex Ferguson's final season. Gone was some of the recklessness, and his attacking contributions were ever-more impressive. 

However, since then, fluctuations in form and the return of regular injuries have meant that being top of this list is little more than a Pyrrhic victory for Rafael. 

He has not been anything like a guaranteed started for Van Gaal's side, and his injury record—and perhaps also the fact that his most infamous reckless moment happened against a side managed by the Dutchman—make it seem unlikely that he will be the long-term right-back for the club. 

Those of us with special affection for Rafael might find this state of affairs unfortunate, but it is hard to argue against the idea that his time has come. 

He deserves to sit atop this list, but it should not be too difficult for future Brazilian United players to usurp his position.