Manchester United full-back Rafael da Silva believes that he has matured since his twin brother Fabio left the club on a temporary basis.

The brothers were parted for the first time since they signed on at Old Trafford in 2008 when Fabio linked up with Queens Park Rangers during the summer on a season-long loan deal.

Despite admitting that he misses having his sibling around, Rafael concedes that Fabio's absence has helped him grow as a person.

"It's not strange but it's different," Rafael told MUTV. "We're close and I was always together with him but it's been good for us, just to become more mature.

"I used to ask him all the time if I needed something but now I need more of my own mind so I've grown more mature. It's bad because I miss him but it's good to learn more."

Rafael has been United's regular right-back so far this season, while Fabio is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem.