Rafael To Join Lyon

During the 2014-15 season Louis van Gaal preferred to use Antonio Valencia over Rafael at right back despite Valencia naturally being a winger. However, a number of injuries curtailed his playing time, thereby putting his future at Old Trafford in doubt.

Rafael was often guilty of text-book errors and there have been question marks over his discipline and the arrival of Matteo Darmian from Torino effectively ended his Man United career.

Rafael made his debut on the opening day of the 2008-09 season against Newcastle and displayed plenty of promise that suggested he would succeed Gary Neville as United’s long-term right-back. Rafael went on to make 169 appearances in all competitions for United scoring 5 goals.

To all but confirm his departure, van Gaal left Rafael out of the 30-man squad for the club’s pre-season tour of United States this summer and the 25-yearold has been given a clear indication that he is surplus to requirements at the club.

Lyon have reportedly offered a fee of £2.1m which, even for United, seems like a tremendously poor piece of business. He has one three Premier Leagues, a League Cup, and has two caps for the Brazilian national side.

United are unlikely to demand a hefty price for the player, who has just a year left in his contract and Lyon are the frontrunners to land the 25-year old at the club.

Rafael’s form has been in decline over the past three seasons.