Possebon says United are 'just like Brazil'

(GETTY IMAGES)

Just like watching Brazil? Many of those who saw Manchester United struggle to beat Queen's Park Rangers at Old Trafford on Tuesday night might disagree but United youngster Rodrigo Possebon believes his side's performance warranted comparison with the five-times world champions.

The 19-year-old, who arrived from Brazil in January, made his fourth senior appearance for the Red Devils in their narrow success over the Championship side and afterwards got perhaps slightly carried away as he assessed a victory that took United into the last eight of the Carling Cup. "It was not really Brazilian weather, but I think the performance was like Brazil," he said. "We passed the ball and kept it really well. We had to be patient and wait for the goal. But Carlos Tevez took his penalty really well, and we are all happy to get through."

With Sir Alex Ferguson pledging to give his promising youngsters another chance – no matter who United draw in the next round – Possebon is guaranteed another outing, with possibly a Champions League appearance against Aalborg to come. He added: "This competition is important for the young lads, because the boss uses it to give us experience. It is unbelievable to train with so many great players every day. I am learning every minute. I have to pay attention all the time. It is very good here but it is nice to have the chance to perform."

Possebon's team-mate Jonny Evans, meanwhile, would love to get a crack at Arsenal's much-admired young Gunners in the quarter-finals. "I would like to get Arsenal," said the Northern Ireland international.

"After the weekend [when United were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium] it would be nice to get one back on them. Any team is going to be tough at this stage. But if you are going to get to the final, you have to beat the good ones at some stage."