The Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva is set to sign a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2016.

The Brazilian full-back has made 90 senior appearances since his arrival in July 2008, and started the 2009 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in Rome.

Although there are plenty who feel Da Silva is still too rash in the tackle, there is no doubting his attacking instincts and the United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, apparently believes he has a big future.

Da Silva won his first senior caps for the Brazil national side last month and the 21-year-old's agent, Cassiano Pereira, told Estadão ESPN: "Rafael is very happy to stay at Manchester United, who are one of the giants of world football and always play in Europe's biggest competitions. Manchester United are the club that opened the door to Europe for him. He is loved, respected and has prestige at the club."

Rafael da Silva is due to be separated from his twin brother, Fábio, next season as he is being lined up for a loan move to QPR.