Rafael: Van Gaal didn't like me

Lyon full-back Rafael believes he was forced out the door at Old Trafford because Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal "doesn't like Brazilians".

Lyon full-back Rafael believes he was forced out the door at Old Trafford because Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal "doesn't like Brazilians".

A mainstay under Sir Alex Ferguson following his arrival in 2008 from Fluminense, the 25-year-old Brazilian only managed 10 league appearances for the Red Devils last season, with Van Gaal preferring Antonio Valencia at right-back.

Now at Les Gones, Rafael admits he was surprised to be such a bit-part player under Van Gaal and believes his final campaign under Ferguson was the best of his career.

"I know this history that he doesn't like Brazilians, but I can't say: ‘Oh, he doesn't like Brazilians'," he told ESPN FC.

"I did the complete season, when he (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.

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