Manchester United defender Rafael has admitted that his prolonged run in the first team this season has come as a pleasant surprise.

Rafael has played more games than any other United player in the first half of the campaign, amassing 21 appearances in all competitions.

The Brazilian believes that he has shaken off the tag of young talent and developed into a more complete player in 2012.

He told Inside United magazine: "I start every season hoping to make an impression and play a lot of games, but I couldn't have imagined how well this season has gone for me.

"It's been great, and yes, I've been a little surprised to have played so many games. But I'm not a young player anymore.

"I feel like I've developed and I want to play in every single game."

The 22-year-old has played more than 100 times for United since making his Reds debut in August 2008.