The Rio de Janeiro-born full-back has caught the eye with 24 first-team appearances, and ever since his Barclays Premier League debut against Newcastle in August, he's never looked out of his depth.
Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with the rapid progress the 18-year-old former Fluminense starlet has made.
“Everyone at the club has been very impressed and excited by his first year as a professional," the United boss told ManUtd.com.
"His enthusiasm and the adventurous way he plays is typical of a Manchester United player, and we are delighted that he has signed a new contract.”
Rafael hopes that his new deal heralds a long association with the Reds.
“It's been a fantastic first season and I have been learning from all the players at the club, especially from the defence," he told us.
"It has been an exciting time for me and I want to be part of this club for a long time, so to get an extension to my contract is unbelievable."
Semi-finals "Cahampions League"
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Semi-finals
29.04.2009 v Arsenal (H) 20:45
05.05.2009 v Arsenal (A) 20:45
29.04.2009 v Arsenal (H) 20:45
05.05.2009 v Arsenal (A) 20:45
Giggs lands PFA gong
Giggs, 35 and enjoying his 19th season in the top flight, has never previously won the award – voted by fellow professionals – but pipped team-mates Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard to this year’s gong.
"It's right up there with personal accolades," Giggs admitted. "It's the best to have as it's voted by your fellow players.
"I've been fortunate to win a lot of trophies - I won the young player award twice - but this is the big one."
Renowned in the world game as one of the best left wingers to ever take to the pitch, Giggs has operated largely as a central midfielder this season.
Despite the positional change, the Welshman has proved just as effective – these days it’s his guile, craft and ability to pick a pass that opens up opposition defences.
Speaking at the gala dinner, Giggs recognised the contribution United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has had on his development.
"The manager has been massive in my career, from when I first met him when I was 13," he said. "That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.
"I've been so fortunate to have such a great career in so many great teams. It's not even worth thinking about what it would have been like without the manager."
Giggs is the 32nd different player to win the award and takes the crown from fellow United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who won both the senior and young-player awards last term.
"It's right up there with personal accolades," Giggs admitted. "It's the best to have as it's voted by your fellow players.
"I've been fortunate to win a lot of trophies - I won the young player award twice - but this is the big one."
Renowned in the world game as one of the best left wingers to ever take to the pitch, Giggs has operated largely as a central midfielder this season.
Despite the positional change, the Welshman has proved just as effective – these days it’s his guile, craft and ability to pick a pass that opens up opposition defences.
Speaking at the gala dinner, Giggs recognised the contribution United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has had on his development.
"The manager has been massive in my career, from when I first met him when I was 13," he said. "That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.
"I've been so fortunate to have such a great career in so many great teams. It's not even worth thinking about what it would have been like without the manager."
Giggs is the 32nd different player to win the award and takes the crown from fellow United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who won both the senior and young-player awards last term.
1988/89 - Mark Hughes 1990/91 - Mark Hughes 1991/92 - Gary Pallister 1993/94 - Eric Cantona 2000/01 - Teddy Sheringham 2001/02 - Ruud van Nistelrooy 2
Ryan Giggs was named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year at a gala dinner in London on Sunday night.
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