 Rafael made his first appearance for the club in a 2–0 friendly win over Peterborough United on 4 August.Rafael was then registered in the club's senior squad for the 2008–09 season and was assigned the number 21 shirt.Rafael made his competitive debut for Manchester United on the opening day of the 2008–09 Premier League season, replacing Fraizer Campbell in their 1–1 home draw against Newcastle United on 17 August.