One former Manchester United player has opened up on how he left Old Trafford
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Man United celebrate
Rafael celebrates winning the Premier League title in 2013
(Image: Matthew Peters)
Former Manchester United wing-back Rafael da Silva has revealed how Louis van Gaal brutally put an end to his career at Old Trafford in 2014.
Rafael and his brother, Fabio, joined the Reds in 2008 as 17-year-olds, having never played a minute for the Fluminense first team. Fabio played just 56 games for United, but Rafael was more of a regular with 170 appearances.
However, in 2014, Rafael's time at Old Trafford came to an end when Van Gaal was appointed as the new manager. After spells with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team, the Dutchman was confirmed as United's first manager from outside the British Isles.
Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao all arrived in the summer. Van Gaal's preference meant Rafael only played 17 times for United that season before leaving for Lyon.
And looking back at his career, the Brazilian has since admitted Van Gaal was the worst coach he worked with. "Absolutely, without a doubt," he told FourFourTwo. "He was the worst coach I've ever worked with in my career - no question about it.
"I'll tell you the reason why: he just looked me in the face and said, 'I don't like you'. Can you believe it? The guy wanted me out of the football club on his second day on the job.
"I ended up playing a few games, but only because Ryan Giggs and some other senior names begged him to let me play."
Rafael's move for France in 2015 came as a result of his appearance for United's reserves. "Van Gaal stuck me in the reserves with the youngsters," he added. "Florian Maurice, who was a scout for Lyon, had come to watch a game because he wanted to analyse Andreas Pereira closely. It was a match against Tottenham and I scored a goal from distance – a beautiful lob.
“I played very well that day and Lyon invited me over. Florian said, “I was planning to sign Andreas, but when I saw you playing, I thought we needed you instead.” And that’s how I moved to Lyon. It’s funny to think how the little details change the fate of things.”