Rafael Da Silva is starting to become well known in Brazil following his magnificent year with Manchester United.

While Kaka is the Samba star who has been centre of attention this week, Rafael turned in another outstanding performance in United's Barclays Premier League win over Wigan at Old Trafford last night.

It was the 18-year-old's 17th appearance of his debut season, having first caught the eye in a pre-season friendly at Peterborough.

Still, even after his senior bow and his first United goal in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal in November - outside of his family - few in Rafael's homeland had ever heard of him.

It seems, thanks to that magnificent performance in the Manchester derby, the situation has changed.

"Before that game everybody in Brazil was 'ah, Robinho', but 'who is Rafael? Now, the people in Brazil know," he said.

"He didn't really say anything after the game. We traded shirts but he just said 'good work' and wished me luck for the rest of the season."

Rafael is part of a growing Portuguese-speaking enclave at Old Trafford, headed by Cristiano Ronaldo and which includes Nani, Anderson, Manucho and Rodrigo Possebon.

Also involved is Rafael's twin brother Fabio, who may be in line for his first call-up to United's first-team squad for Saturday's trip to Bolton if Jonny Evans fails to make it.

"He is not the same as me," said Rafael.

"He is more Brazilian - more technical and very calm.

"I am always running around after the ball. He scores more often too."