Hard to believe it, but Rafael da Silva and his brother signed for Manchester United way back in 2008.
The Brazilian defender left United after a seven-year association where he promised greatness only to falter and flounder with alarming consistency.
Alex Ferguson nurtured his talent and it was under the Scot that he enjoyed the best years of his United career.
While his twin brother Fabio was loaned out to whatever club would help with his wages, Rafael was kept close to hand. His career graph took two dips, over the past two seasons under David Moyes then Louis van Gaal.
Van Gaal did not fancy Rafael one bit. He opted to play either Antonio Valencia or Phil Jones at right back and banished the 25-year-old to play with the Under-21s, along with Radamel Falcao and Victor Valdes.
Now a Lyon players, Rafael has spoken out about his departure from Old Trafford.
He told Globo Esporte, ‘I know the history [is] 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.’
Anderson was also hoicked out of Old Trafford.Rafael added, ‘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. I was going well, then Ferguson left.’
