Rafael made it into the first team because we had no concrete right back. At one point, Patrice Evra was arguably one of the best left backs in the world, who is also vice captain. Quite simply, if Evra is fit, Evra is picked, with very, very few exceptions. Fabio needed the loan, and he is very unlucky that Evra was in his way. Rafael only had Wes Brown, Gary Neville and John O'Shea in his way when he first joined us, and all 3 were never nailed on starters anymore, except for O'Shea during a certain period, but he was gradually phased out.
20 games, with the possibility of a few more. Good loan. He's looked like their best player on a few occasions. Valuable experience of playing for a team fighting for every point.