Rafael suffered through an injury-stricken campaign at Manchester United last season with a combination of ankle and thigh problems limiting the Brazilian to just 19 Premier League appearances. However, he is expected to bounce back from those disappointments and retain his right-back berth under Louis van Gaal next season. Rafael operates in a wing-back style position in that he is full of energy and contributes to attacking movements, which should mean he will fit into van Gaal's 4-3-3 formation like a glove. Van Gaal's formations are known for their attacking defenders, which would seem to favour the young South American. United don't have too many option at right-back. Chris Smalling has played there before, as have Phil Jones and even Antonio Valencia in times of crisis. But if Rafael can stay clear of injury in 2014-15, there is no reason why he can't command the right side of defence under van Gaal.