Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva believes his brother’s loan to Queens Park Rangers will help him and Fábio to mature.

The young full-back moved to QPR on a season-long loan after struggling to get into the Red Devils first-team past Patrice Evra.

The twins moved to Old Trafford in 2008 after being spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson’s scouts whilst playing in the Fluminense youth team, meaning the 22-year-olds have spent their whole careers together.

However, Rafael, who recently signed a new four-year deal with United, believes Fábio’s recent move to Premier League rivals QPR will be beneficial for the pair.

He told United Review: “It is good for us. It’s time to be more mature.

“I have to be stronger now he has left.”

Fábio has been ruled out with a hamstring injury following the R’s derby draw with Chelsea on Saturday, which could keep him out for “several weeks” according to manager Mark Hughes.

The Seleção internationals could come face-to-face when their two sides face each other on November 24 and February 23.