RAFAEL OPENS UP ON UNITED EXIT

Brazilian defender Rafael da Silva has opened up on how he left Manchester United reluctantly six years ago. Rafael da Silva left the Red Devils in 2015 under the Louis Van Gaal managerial reign.

Rafael da Silva talked extensively about his Old Trafford exit in an interview with English publication The Athletic last year. According to the Brazilian international, Dutchman Van Gaal told him to leave Manchester United without any explanation and that he was informed that the experienced manager didn't like Brazilians.

Van Gaal is not fondly remembered at Old Trafford by the Manchester United fans mainly due to his rigid approach despite the fact that his two-year spell at the club ended with the FA Cup title. His last game as the Manchester United manager was during the 2016 FA Cup final. He masterminded the defeat of London club Crystal Palace in that final at the end of extra time thanks to the winning goal from Jesse Lingard on the way to a 2-1 win.

Van Gaal assumed his role as the Red Devils boss shortly after leading the Netherlands to third place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament on Brazilian soil.

Rafael was vocal in his interview above as he revealed that he didn't want to leave Manchester United. It was down to Van Gaal as stated by the Brazilian star who has gone back to the Brazilian league to play for Botafogo.
It was established that Van Gaal didn't like Brazilian players dating back to his time at Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga. The experienced manager had issues with Brazilian football icon Rivaldo at Barcelona and he tried to sack him.
Rafael da Silva made 11 appearances for the Red Devils in his lone season under Van Gaal before he signed for French giants Lyon.