New Brazil Coach Mano Menezes Called up Manchester United Defender Rafael

Immediately after his appointment as the new coach of Brazil national team, Mano Menezes has made a surprise move by calling up 11 uncapped players for the upcoming friendly match against USA on August 2010.

Menezes dropped the star players like Kaka, Lucio, Luis Fabiano, Maicon and Julio Cesar, while the players like Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has been included in the squad. Among the notable World Cup players who could retain their places are Robinho, Ramires and Daniel Alves.

The axing of Maicon has come as a big surprise as the Inter Milan player is considered as one of the best players for the right back position in world football now. More surprising was the inclusion of Manchester United right back Rafael as the replacement of Maicon.

Rafael, 20, has not yet been regular in Manchester United’s starting line up since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2008. However, the former Fluminense prodigy is rated very highly and has huge potential. He already represented Brazil at U-17 level.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas has earned a recall. Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar have at last got their much expected call up to the national team. The Santos duo has already caught the attention of many European clubs and is considered as the future stars of Brazil.