Van Gaal 'didn't like me' so I left Manchester United, says Rafael

Out of favour: Rafael struggled for game time during Van Gaal's reign
John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images
Sam Long12 August 2015

Brazilian defender Rafael has claimed that he left Manchester United because manager Louis van Gaal didn't like him.

The right back completed a move to French club Lyon earlier in the summer and believes that his poor relationship with Van Gaal was a key reason behind his decision to move on.

The 25-year-old signed for the Red Devils alongside his twin brother Fabio in 2008 and established himself as a reliable member of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

But he fell out of favour under Van Gaal after the Scotsman retired and made just 10 Premier League appearances last season.

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Van Gaal clashed with Rivaldo during his previous spell in charge of Barcelona, but Rafael is unsure whether his nationality can explain why he fell down the pecking order under the Dutchman.

"I don't know, sincerely. I don't know what to say about that because I was the only one [at United], 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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"I did the complete season, when [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.

"That's what changed, so [Antonio] Valencia started playing as a right-back for Van Gaal. He's also a great player but I was doing well in that position," bemoaned the Brazilian.

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Despite his Old Trafford exit, Rafael acknowldged that Van Gaal is entitled to his opinion and indicated that he holds no grudges against his former boss.

"[Van Gaal] had his opinions, his thoughts. Everyone has their opinion. A manager is a manager. I always respected it and I will always respect it."

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