Former Manchester United manager For Alex Ferguson has paid the ultimate compliment to Fabio & Rafael Da Silva, describing them as the two players who ‘delighted’ him most from his time at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian pair were a big part of the last great Ferguson squad at United after signing from Fluminense in 2008. They were just eighteen and made an instant impression in the squad, entertaining fans with their full-blooded and instinctive style and charming the players with their effervescent attitude.

Fabio arrived with the greater reputation but suffered an injury soon after he arrived – Rafael made an instant impression at right-back, scoring a fantastic goal at Arsenal to announce his arrival.

The pair won a number of trophies between them and remained at the club until Sir Alex retired, although Fabio did have a loan spell at QPR.

And in the foreword for their new book, The Sunshine Kids, which is released next week, Ferguson has paid the twins a compliment that could not be more glowing.

“Every time I hear their names mentioned I smile,” Ferguson said, in the introduction to his foreword which can be seen on Rafael’s Instagram. “Of all the great players I managed, no one delighted me as much as these two young lads.”

Ferguson goes on to explain his affection for the boys who arrived as eighteen-year-olds in his introduction.

In his recent interview for our Talking Devils podcast, Rafael spoke about how much he adores his former manager – and in the book, the twins explain their gratitude to Ferguson in great detail.

The Sunshine Kids is available on Amazon and, if you are worldwide, on The Book Depository with free international shipping. The links will be in the comment box below.