WHY DID RAFAEL LEAVE MANCHESTER UNITED?

Istanbul Basaksehir defender Rafael da Silva has revealed the reason behind his Manchester United exit five years ago.

The Brazilian international was living the dream at Manchester United having joined them as a teenager in 2008. Rafael da Silva signed for the Red Devils from Brazilian Serie A club Fluminense alongside his twin brother Fabio da Silva.

Rafael da Silva was and still a fan favourite amongst the Manchester United faithfuls. He made 170 appearances in a Manchester United shirt before leaving for French giants Lyon in August 2015. He spent five years at Lyon before leaving the club this summer when his contract ended. Rafael da Silva went on to sign a two-year contract upon signing for Istanbul Basaksehir on a free agent.

Since signing for Istanbul Basaksehir on a free transfer, Rafael da Silva has made 13 appearances for his new club. The Brazilian has played eight league games plus five Champions League appearances for Istanbul Basaksehir this term. Rafael da Silva revealed why he left Manchester United for Lyon in 2015during an exclusive chat with The Athletic.
According to him, he was informed that thenManchester United manager Louis Van Gaaldidn't like Brazilians due to their style of play and it proved to be true when the Dutch tactician was appointed in 2014. Rafael da Silva said he was told that the first thing Louis Van Gaal will do to him is to take out the player. He said that it was actually the second thing done to him as Van Gaal didn't speak to the player on the first day.
Rafael da Silva had been a regular first team player for Manchester United but his playing time was reduced drastically during the debut season of Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United and that ultimately led to his exit.