Cardiff City manager and former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tonight confirmed the signing of United full back Fabio Da Silva following their 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford but could not confirm that a deal had been struck for Wilfried Zaha.
On the same night that he announced the capture of Kenwyne Jones in a swap deal with Stoke City for Peter Odemwingie, Solskjaer revealed that Rafael, who was picked by David Moyes in the team that beat Cardiff, had approached him after the game and had a quiet word.
He said: “Fabio had a few more options abroad but he wanted to stay near his family because they live together. They’ve played in the same teams their whole lives but this is a new challenge.
“Rafael came up to me after the game and asked me to look after his big brother – apparently Rafa was born a few minutes later – so I’ll look after him and he’ll be good for us!
Solskjaer added: “Fabio’s signed. That was done late yesterday. Wilfried Zaha I can’t 100% confirm yet.”
“Fabio’s like his brother, an attacking full back, he’ll give us that little bit of pace and that Brazilian flair and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to see him at the Cardiff City Stadium!
He also confirmed the capture of Stoke striker Jones, saying: “We got Kenwyne Jones. It was just a shame that we never got the papers signed in time for tonight. People never help you get them signed in the minute that they should be done.
“He should give us the oompf that we need.
“I don’t think anyone from outside the Cardiff camp expected us to take much from Arsenal, City and United but now we’re in a different position. We’ve now got three home games against teams in and around us. It will be like a second league.”
Solskjaer was all too aware of his history with Old Trafford and was grateful for the reception he received from the home fans. He was also convinced that with improved performances the points they need to stave off relegation will come.
“To come to Old Trafford and have about 55% possession isn’t bad. It’s the last third where we need to get that change of tempo and a little more oomf and little bit extra which we will have if we get Zaha and Kenwyne in.
“I had 14 and a half years here (at Old Trafford) in the other dressing room. It was a bit tighter and crowded in the away one! I’ve always had a great relationship with the fans here. I’m hoping to get the same relationship with the Cardiff fans. They were fantastic today as well. Three thousand came and we kept hearing them singing and kept the United crowd quite quiet.”
“The second United goal was a disappointing one. Ashley Young should never have been allowed to cut inside. He skipped past Craig Noone and Gary Medel didn’t get near him. Other than that the second half was really pleasing.”