But in our recent interview with the Brazilian midfielder, marking his three years at United, you really get a sense of how much past and future successes drive him as a player and a person.
This season is a big one for him. It’s his fourth at United and, having started each of our three Premier League outings to date, he’s determined to be an important player for a Reds side that is intent on making a marked improvement, after last term’s struggles.
If the 33-year-old can do that, he’ll be well-placed to represent Brazil at this summer’s World Cup in North America – something that he also has one eye on, having been recalled to the squad since his former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was appointed the national team’s head coach in May.