Manchester United fullback Rafael da Silva admits he benefitted from twin brother Fabio's departure to QPR last season.

It was a difficult experience for Fabio but his twin admits the rare time they spent apart benefitted his relationships at United.

"When my brother went to QPR, people around the club behaved in a different way towards me," Rafael said.

"Before they tended not to talk that much. Maybe they felt intimidated because we were always together. Last year they started to talk to me. It was different. It helped me a lot."