Rafael savouring being United regular

Manchester United defender Rafael feels he has grown in confidence and maturity at Old Trafford after a breakthrough 2012.

The 22-year-old Brazilian has been a regular feature of the United side at right-back throughout the calendar year. Aside from an aberration at Reading earlier this month, when he was substituted after just 31 tortured minutes, Rafael has been one of the side's most consistent performers.

Rafael told the club's website, www.manutd.com: "It's been a great year for me. I feel like I have grown up a lot and that I am maturing."

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