There is now finally some genuine competition for Patrice Evra at left-back, and it is excellent news for Manchester United and their supporters who have seen the Frenchman's form dip since early 2010.
Alexander Buttner stole the show against Wigan on Saturday with a debut to remember, and Evra's face from the sidelines was a real picture.
But spare a thought for poor Fabio da Silva, who faces the prospect of returning to Old Trafford next summer as third choice.
To make matters worse for the Brazilian, he was taken off during the first half of QPR's goalless draw with Chelsea, suffering a hamstring injury. Mark Hughes has since confirmed the player faces 'several weeks' on the sidelines.
It is a cruel blow for Fabio, who was just beginning to settle at QPR after a nightmare debut which saw him give away a goal in the club's 5-0 opening day mauling at the hands of Swansea City.
He had steadily improved since then, showing sights of his attacking qualities in the defeat to Manchester City, and the coming weeks would have been crucial for his progress.
Instead, Armand Traore will likely head back into the starting line-up, and stake a claim to win back his place for when Fabio returns.
Manchester United fans will not be surprised at the news though, Fabio's 2011/12 season was hampered by regular niggling injuries, which saw him fail to complete 90 minutes.
It was a really disappointing campaign considering he was United's first choice right-back during their late 2010/11 run, which saw him even play in the Champions League Final defeat to Barcelona.
He failed to put Patrice Evra under any pressure last season, and Sir Alex Ferguson clearly felt he was unlikely to do the same either this campaign, and needed to get back to basics by going on loan.
All is not lost of course, he should be back in mid-November, but he will not be able to afford any further injury, or the loan will risk becoming a write-off similar to Federico Macheda's disastrous spell at Loftus Road.
The best bet for Fabio is that Buttner is so successful in usurping Evra, that the Frenchman ends up leaving the club at the end of this season.
This would place Fabio as back-up for the Dutchman, and only second choice rather than third. Although it is worth bearing in mind Buttner has just played one game for the club, and Evra is likely to respond, and from United's point of view, raise his game.
The Brazilian needs to get fit, stay lucky, and push on with QPR upon his return, otherwise Rafael's words yesterday about learning to be apart from his twin brother could be poignant as it could be the case on a permanent basis, if Sir Alex Ferguson decides to cut his losses on the player should he be unhappy with his development.
What does the future hold for Fabio? Can he make it at United?
image: © wonker
Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombsGoogle+more stories from Dan Coombs
Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
The Alchemists: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire
Hubris: How HBOS Wrecked the Best Bank in Britain
