Rodrigo Possebon Bio

Brazilian midfielder Possebon was snapped up by Manchester United in January 2008, with his father's Italian links preventing the need for a passport.

He moved to the Premier League from Sporting Club Internacional in his homeland.

Possebon is described as a box-to-box midfielder who has a great engine.

The player was thrust into first team action at the start of the 2008/09 season, making his debut as a 63rd minute replacement for Ryan Giggs in a 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United.

'Rodrigo is a tall, elegant midfielder who fits into the idea of a modern footballer,' reserve team boss Brian McClair told the Manchester Evening News. 'He has very good ability and is a steady box-to-box player rather than your silky tricky midfielder.

'Our scout in Brazil, John Calvert-Toulmin, who recommended our Brazilian full-back twins Fabio and Rafael Silva, spotted Rodrigo and we've been impressed.'

The player's performances with the first team on their pre-season travels earned him a first team break.