Former Manchester United fan favourite Rafael da Silva has opened up about the “worst” managerial experience of his career under Louis van Gaal, detailing how the Dutchman forced him out within days of arriving at Old Trafford.
Rafael, who made 170 appearances for United between 2008 and 2015, saw his Red Devils career collapse when Van Gaal replaced David Moyes in 2014. In a candid interview with FourFourTwo, the Brazilian revealed Van Gaal’s blunt dismissal. “Absolutely, without a doubt,” Rafael said. “He was the worst coach I’ve ever worked with in my career – no question about it. I’ll tell you the reason why, he just looked me in the face and said, ‘I don’t like you.’”
Van Gaal’s hostility was immediate. “Can you believe it? The guy wanted me out of the football club on his second day in the job,” Rafael added. The right-back managed just 11 appearances in Van Gaal’s first season, crediting Ryan Giggs for sparing him total exile: “I ended up playing a few games, but only because Ryan Giggs and some other senior names begged him to let me play.”
Reserves to Lyon
Demoted to United’s reserves, Rafael’s exit unfolded unexpectedly during a youth match against Tottenham. “Van Gaal stuck me in the reserves with the youngsters,” he recalled. “Florian Maurice, a Lyon scout, had come to watch Andreas Pereira. It was a match against Tottenham and I scored a goal from distance – a beautiful lob.”
His performance caught Lyon’s attention. “Florian said, ‘I was planning to sign Andreas, but when I saw you playing, I thought we needed you instead.’ And that’s how I moved to Lyon. It’s funny how little details change fate.”
Di Maria’s Verdict
Rafael isn’t alone in his criticism. Ex-United winger Angel Di María, whose £59.7m move flopped under Van Gaal, echoed the sentiment. “The worst [manager] is Van Gaal, you can be sure of that. In case you had any doubt, I’ll clear that up for you right now.” Di Maria recalls.
Legacy at Old Trafford
Despite the bitter end, Rafael’s United legacy remains intact. The Brazilian won three Premier League titles and a League Cup, embodying the club’s attacking philosophy under Sir Alex Ferguson. His brother Fabio, meanwhile, made just 56 appearances before leaving in 2013.
Van Gaal, who led United to an FA Cup in 2016, polarized players with his rigid tactics. While Wayne Rooney praised the Dutchman for his tactical depth, Rafael’s exit underscores a fractured dressing room.
Where is Rafael Now?
After leaving Lyon in 2020, Rafael spent a season at İstanbul Basaksehir before returning to Brazil with Botafogo, winning the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Copa Libertadores. Now 34, Rafael has retired from football after battling injuries at the end of last season.