RAFAEL DA SILVA LAUDS MANCHESTER UNITED'S TEN HAG APPOINTMENT

Former Manchester United star Rafael da Silva has heaped praise on the Red Devils, wishing them well for next season. During a recent interview with The Athletic, former Red Devil Rafael da Silva has voiced his optimism about Manchester United in the upcoming season.

The Brazilian right-back thinks that the Premier League giants will be better next year and are in a position to mount a title challenge in the 2022/23 campaign, reports Stretty News.

A product of the Fluminense youth academy, Rafael played for Manchester United between 2008 to 2015. Unfortunately, he was unable to establish himself as a first-team regular for the club despite mustering 170 competitive appearances for the club. He ultimately left Old Trafford in 2015, joining Lyon for just €3.2 million.

The right-back currently plays for Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey, but that has not stopped him from following Manchester United. He was notably in the starting lineup twice when the Turkish outfit played against his former club in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League season, even beating the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

But speaking to The Athletic, the defender confessed he is optimistic about next season, especially after the arrival of Jadon Sancho and most recently, Raphael Varane who all joined the club when former manager Olé Gunnar Solksjaer was still at the club.

Both the newcomers have enjoyed a lot of attention since arriving at Old Trafford, with Patrice Evra even comparing Varane to Rio Ferdinand. However, they have enjoyed a dismal season and will be hoping that they can work together in ensuring that they have a better campaign next season as they look almost certain to miss out on playing Champions League football next season.

The 31-year-old is currbelty playing for Istanbul Basaksehir. His team disappointingly achieved a mid-table finish in the Turkish Super Lig last season. But he will be keen on righting the wrongs as he looks to earn his first silverware since the Premier League title in 2013.