Football FanCast columnist Stephen Darwin wonders if the emergence of Rafael Da Silva will bring an end to Gary Neville's illustrious Man United career.

Few will ever forget the batch of young starlets that arrived on that most famous of production lines at Old Trafford some 14 years ago. That group of unfancied kids that took the Premier League by storm and provided the backbone for much of United's unparalleled success of the 1990's. It is fair to say that the Manchester club will struggle to ever produce a group of home-grown talents in the same mould, especially with the way that money and power has tightened its grip on the game in recent years. Much of United's old guard have already withered away from Old Trafford and time could be running out for another of that golden generation that surfaced way back in 1994. At 33, Gary Neville is fast approaching the end of his illustrious playing career and with the emergence of the exuberant Rafael, could this season really be the end for a true United great?

If this is to be Neville's final season at Old Trafford, he has certainly lasted a good few years longer than some of his compatriots from '94. Beckham was the first out of the door as he swapped Madrid for Manchester in June 2003, fed up of incurring the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson's petulance with regards to a lavish celebrity lifestyle. After a decade under Sir Alex's guidance, Nicky Butt was the next to admit defeat as he struggled to cope with the rife nature of competition in the United starting eleven and a move to Newcastle eventually ensued in the summer of 2004. The list goes on with Roy Keane and Phil Neville both deemed surplus to requirements and brother Gary could be the next casualty.

Although despite having only started four of United's 11 league games this season, Neville is adamant that a prolonged run in the first team is only just around the corner. He said as reported in the Sun: "I just need games. Having been out for so long, I need a run of five, six or seven matches.

"It's just a case of remaining patient, keeping fit and training well every day," he added.

First- team opportunities have been few and far between for Neville and an injury blighted last 16 months have critically affected his chances for club and country. But is it fair to say that he will ever be given a chance to prove himself again in a United shirt, especially when you consider that Rafael is waiting in the wings. The 18-year-old Brazilian, signed by United along with his twin brother Fabio in January of this year, has been banging hard on the selection door and is seen by Sir Alex as an ideal long-term replacement for Neville. The United manager, clearly in awe of the potential ability of the former Fluminese full-back, is delighted by what he has seen thus far in the seven appearances that Rafael has made for the European champions this term.

Ferguson said: "The boy's such a gutsy character, and he's got such talent."

"He's got the Brazilian mentality of ‘Give me the ball, I want to play'. It's a great attribute to have for such a young kid."

Having already managed a goal against Arsenal and impressed immensely in a handful of appearances this season, Rafael will seemingly get another chance to stake his claim in tonight's Carling Cup clash with QPR. Bring Wes Brown, a player who's contribution to last season's domestic and European double is somewhat overshadowed by the likes Ronaldo and Ferdinand, into the equation and further doubt is raised as to Neville's value at Old Trafford. With United's unwillingness to offer a new contract to the 33-year-old, Gary Neville is a Red, for now, but with a young Brazilian and a no nonsense manager, will push eventually come to shove before too long?