34 - Rodrigo Possebon Profile

Born in Sapucaia do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Possebon began his football career playing for Internacional in a defensive midfield role. Possebon was spotted by Manchester United's Brazil-based scout, John Calvert-Toulmin, while following up the club's interest in twin full backs, Fábio and Rafael da Silva.

Manchester United signed Possebon in January 2008, and since his father is of Italian descent, Possebon qualified for an Italian passport, and so was not subject to European Union legislation regarding non-Europeans working in Europe. Possebon was allocated the number 34 shirt, which was vacated by Ryan Shawcross, for the remainder of the 2007–08 Premier League season. He made his professional debut for the club as a substitute, coming on for Ryan Giggs during the second half of the 1–1 draw with Newcastle United on 17 August.

On 23 September 2008, during a Football League Cup match, he was injured in a challenge by Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz, for which the Austrian player received a straight red card. It was initially feared that he had broken his leg, but Manchester United later confirmed otherwise. Possebon made his return from injury on 22 October 2008, scoring in Manchester United Reserves' 3–0 win over Manchester City.

Possebon made his FA Cup debut on 15 February 2009, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo in a Fifth Round fixture with Derby County. On 1 March 2009, Possebon won his first major trophy in English football after he was part of the Manchester United squad that beat Tottenham Hotspur 4–2 on penalties after the 2009 Carling Cup final finished goalless.

Related Rodrigo Possebon News

  • Possebon returns to Santos

    Rodrigo Possebon has left Manchester United for a return to Brazil with Santos.

  • Possebon loaned to Braga

    Manchester United have announced that Rodrigo Possebon has joined Sporting Braga on a season-long loan

  • Pogatetz to make Possebon apology

    Emanuel Pogatetz says he will apologise to Rodrigo Possebon for the tackle which saw the teenager leave the pitch on a stretcher on Tuesday.

  • United boosted by Possebon news

    Manchester United have been boosted by the news that Rodrigo Possebon did not get his leg broken by Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz.