Manchester United defender Rafael believes Fábio’s loan move to Queens Park Rangers has meant both brothers are both becoming better players.
The young full-backs have spent their whole careers together including moves to Old Trafford from Fluminense in January 2008 at the age of 17.
However, Rafael has seen significantly more first-team action at United than his sibling, who has subsequently moved to Loftus Road on a season-long loan.
Rafael insists that the move has allowed the pair to mature personally and professionally, despite missing each other.
The 22-year-old said: “It"s not strange but it"s different. 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.
“He is always calling me back to say something is not good [about my game].
“It"s always been like this. He is back in training now and maybe, when he plays again, we"ll keep doing this."
Fábio has made just four appearences for QPR since his loan due to injury, whilst Rafael is steadily becoming one of United"s key players.
The pair will be reunited when the two sides face each other at Old Trafford on November 24.
