Rafael Says Louis van Gaal 'Didn't Like Me,' Opens Up on Manchester United Exit

As is now customary for players after a transfer, new Lyon right-back Rafael has opened up about his time at former club Manchester United and has pointed an accusing finger at Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal for his deterioration in form.  

The Brazil international completed his move to the Ligue 1 side this summer after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, and when asked if Van Gaal had a problem with players from the South American country, Rafael responded, per Brazilian outlet Globoesporte (h/t Sport Witness):

"

I don't know, sincerely. I don't know what to say about that, because I was the only one, since Anderson left before. I know this history that he doesn't like Brazilians, but I can't say: "Oh, he doesn't like Brazilians"... I know that he didn't like me, but if that's because I'm Brazilian, I don't know.

"

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Rafael was a player who seemed destined for the very top when Sir Alex Ferguson began integrating him into the team. The full-back was a bundle of energy on the right flank for the Red Devils at his best, contributing to various trophy-winning teams with defensive diligence and attacking endeavour.

In Van Gaal’s first season at the club, Rafael did suffer some injury problems, but even when fit, chances were scarce for the defender. With Antonio Valencia more of a right-sided midfielder than right-back filling that berth, the Brazilian was a little disappointed not to be shown a little more faith:

"

I did the complete season, when he (Ferguson) left. In 2012/13 I played almost every game, it was my best season at United, we were even champions. And that's when they changed the manager. That change was fatal for me.

I was going well, then Ferguson left. That's what changed, so Valencia started playing as a right-back for Van Gaal. He's also a great player, but I was doing well in that position.

"

JON SUPER/Associated Press

Sometimes a player just isn’t a correct fit for a particular manager, though. Van Gaal’s deployment of Valencia at right-back and the subsequent signing of Matteo Darmian suggests he feels as though he needs a slicker option bombing on from deep. For all of Rafael’s qualities, he was often a little erratic in both attack and defence.

Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette sums up how the majority of Red Devils supporters feel about the player’s departure from Old Trafford:

Rafael will be remembered fondly by Manchester United fans for some tenacious displays and daring showings. But given his capricious nature—which has not ceased since he first broke into the team—and the manner in which Van Gaal wants this side to play, it’s no surprise the Brazilian has moved on.

Rafael should be thankful for the grounding he has been given with the Red Devils, and the 25-year-old still has plenty of years to reforge his reputation as a top-class full-back. Ultimately, that’ll be the only way he can show Van Gaal that he was wrong to write him off as hastily as he did.