Manchester United defender Rafael signed a new contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2016, while twin brother Fabio will move out on loan to Queens Park Rangers, according to his agent.

The Brazilian full-back's agent Cassiano Pereira said Rafael was only too happy to remain with United, the club he joined from Brazilian club Fluminense in 2008, along with his brother Fabio.

The 21-year-old made 12 appearances for United last season, and recently broke through to the Brazilian national team. "Rafael is very happy to be able to stay at Manchester United, who are one of the biggest clubs in football and are always playing in Europe's biggest competitions," Pereira told Globoesporte.  

"Besides, they opened Rafael the doors to Europe, where his qualities are appreciated and where he has earned respect and prestige. Everyone is happy with this renewal."

Fabio, who suffered an injury last season which kept him out for much of the season, was expected to go out on loan for next season after Sir Alex Ferguson indicated he wanted to give Fabio more experience and playing time. Pereira confirmed Fabio would move to Queens Park Rangers.

"Fabio is a promising player and he needs to play. Because of that, Alex Ferguson suggested that he be loaned out to get more experience.

"He is a sought-after player because he is still young, and we think that his transfer to QPR was the best decision at the time.

"We received some offers from Germany and Portugal, but he preferred to stay in England to remain in touch with the country's football style and so that he would not have a problem to adapt to it when he returned to United."