Fabio set for Benfica

Jason Burt writes in The Telegraph... Fabio to depart Old Trafford for Benfica Fabio da Silva’s agent has confirmed that the Manchester United defender is set to move to Benfica on loan. Fabio has been told he will go out on loan for a season by Sir Alex Ferguson and has been ear-marked as Benfica’s first-choice left-back. It has been a problem position for the Portuguese club all season and they are pushing to sign Fabio on a permanent basis. His agent Cassiano Pereira said on Monday: “There is a high possibility that Fabio will go to Benfica. Alex Ferguson has talked with me and Fabio about this possibility and the next two or three weeks we should know our position.” Ferguson has already said that Fabio will go out on loan next season. Although the Brazilian featured in United's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last season, he has failed to progress as expected. A succession of niggling injuries have not helped and Fabio had made just 15 appearances in all competitions this season, with the right-back starting just two league matches. Daily Express columnist Mick Dennis has called Paul Scholes a “genius” following his man of the match performance against Aston Villa. However, the seasoned journalist does question the midfielder’s tackling ability. “Why do we keep excusing Scholes for fouls? Commentators fall for the notion that his tackles show bad timing. Funny how his timing is immaculate for the rest of the game.” The Mirror features an interview with David De Gea, who says he wants United to win the title in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. “We have the title in our hands. A five point advantage is good, but the derby against City will be key. We want to win this match and to celebrate winning the title.”