Rafael | Lyon Player

[Varun]

One of my favourite players, sad to see him go but this was an inevitability.

On the contrary to all the popular opinions, may I offer to drive Rafael to his next club please just to make sure he goes. Biggest liability to wear a United shirt in the last 10 years. I usually refer to him as a walking red card nowadays, just bracing myself for the bad decisions he makes a living out of. Hopefully in Darmian we will see a much more responsible player.

It's as if you haven't watched him him play, just read typical clichés which have stuck in your head.

 

[Livewire1974]

Shame, one of my favourate players,always gave 100% and sometimes a bit more (which maybe was is downfall). Wish we could keep him. Wish him the very best wherever he ends up.

 

[Cheesy]

On the contrary to all the popular opinions, may I offer to drive Rafael to his next club please just to make sure he goes. Biggest liability to wear a United shirt in the last 10 years. I usually refer to him as a walking red card nowadays, just bracing myself for the bad decisions he makes a living out of. Hopefully in Darmian we will see a much more responsible player.

I feel like this is a little bit harsh on the guy. He was far from perfect, granted. He could be quite rash, and it's clear his game needed a lot of development, but there's definitely been worse players than him to play for us. Anderson was a much bigger liability in his later years than Rafael, for example. Players like Bebe and Obertan are a far way below Rafael too.

 

[.Rossi]

More then good enough for us.

Just different set ups and injuries hindered his progress.

Sad really. Always liked him.

 

[Ducklegs]

He should of ironed the rashness out of his game by now, and his injury record is criminal.

I like him, and I think you need players with his enthusiasm and character around the club, but you've also got to bring something practical to the table, and he doesn't unfortunately.

 

[Earthquake]

As a full back when fit, not many people would choose Valencia over Rafael. Defensively, Rafael rarely needed games to get back into the swing of things. He was a good defender that offensively, is better then Valencia. All Valencia has over Rafael, is that he's always fit but Rafa is 25. Has plenty of football left in him.

Sadly one of the few people that would was LvG....

 

[Raoul]

On the contrary to all the popular opinions, may I offer to drive Rafael to his next club please just to make sure he goes. Biggest liability to wear a United shirt in the last 10 years. I usually refer to him as a walking red card nowadays, just bracing myself for the bad decisions he makes a living out of. Hopefully in Darmian we will see a much more responsible player.

I don't think he was much of a liability at all. He was quite good infact.

 

[soap]

Be careful, I wouldn't be surpised is Darmian was benched and Mr. Shin-hitter plays week in week out.

Wouldn't surprise me to see Darmian getting quite a lot of games at LB given Shaw's fitness issues so yeah, I think we'll still be seeing a lot of Tony V

 

[Shyftyy]

It's a shame but understandable and in the end, better for him to get playingtime elsewhere.

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

Only No Da Silvas.

 

[Verminator]

Most reliable defender of the ones that finished last season. (at least until Smalling got his shit together)
Fit and not played for while by LVG. Two injuries that cost him games while trying to impress, were fractured ribs, and a broken cheekbone.
Hardly injury prone. eg Hamstring,muscle,joint problems.

 

[RU Devil]

Sad to see him on the block. Honestly don't see what Valencia had that Rafael didn't (except maybe he was fit & available to play). Maybe Valencia was a bit stronger, but Rafael had more of a repertoire going forward, plus is more of a natural RB. Oh well, that's pro sports for you. One day you're on top of the world, the next your in the surplus bin.

 

[devilish]

Its pointless having talent if you're rarely available for the club

 

[sajeev]

Fortunately for us, we have some hope of a right-back being able to replicate Rafael at his best, even though Darmian may not be as effective or attractive on the attack but he will bring a sense of calm if not more effectiveness in defence.

This is how I will console myself, Rafael was captain material

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I feel like this is a little bit harsh on the guy. He was far from perfect, granted. He could be quite rash, and it's clear his game needed a lot of development, but there's definitely been worse players than him to play for us. Anderson was a much bigger liability in his later years than Rafael, for example. Players like Bebe and Obertan are a far way below Rafael too.

A little harsh? It's incredibly harsh. He's nowhere near the biggest liability to play for us in the last 10 years. He's probably one of the most over-rated players over that period of time, mind you.

 

[Cheesy]

Only No Da Silvas.

The mods should change your name to this.

 

[TheNewEra]

I remember his debut he looked terrific that game and so did his brother.

I think he did wane a little though and didn't develop as much as he could, I agree with some there was a bit of rashness sometimes in his play but it was more inexperience than anything, his injury record didn't help.

Fabio was said to be the better of the brothers upon arrival but Evra was just world class at that point, and still arguably is.

I think there are better RBs out there defensively and attacking, even the likes of Darmian so perhaps he just isn't needed.

Good luck to him.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Largely pointless to compare Rafael and Valencia, as some insist on doing. Valencia is a very plausible squad man and RB backup option - Rafael clearly is not. If he was going to make it at United, it was always as a starting man - or not at all.

We now have a starter, with Valencia playing the backup role - that's how I see it anyway. And it makes plenty of sense.

Rafael's a good lad an' all, so I hope he can be picked up by a decent club where he's given a proper chance to prove himself. He's a good player - just wasn't meant to be and so forth.

 

[DWelbz19]

Gonna miss the mad bastard. On the same level as Smalling and Herrera as my favourites at the club. Unfortunate.

 

[Kazi]

FFS Giggs have a word with Louis about this

 

[ChrisNelson]

How many times was he sent off for us do you reckon?

Why do you think LvG has replaced him?

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Such a shame. Had the potential to be up there with the best in the business. A great all round skillet for a fullback.

 

[FacerTheRed]

and that the other Da Silva twin gone. Shame. I really liked the idea on twins playing for the club. Fabio was a unlucky as he had to compete against Evra, he had no chance to flourish with him always fit. Rafael had a good run and played some terrific games and took over that right back position nicely which forced Gary to hang up his boots. He performed some decent game and then some which were just face palming, due to LVG new style of play LVG obviously wants a more solid right back in there. unfortunate but that just football for you, he'll find a decent club to join up. He's still decent.

 

[justboy68]

Anyone care to offer examples of Rafael being a defensive liability in recent times? I keep hearing it but I never hear any actual examples other than that stupid Leicester game with Clattenburg.

I remember Shaw giving a way a penalty and getting sent off (understandable) and Valencia giving away countless opportunities with poor positioning but I'm struggling to recall too many from Rafa albeit limited appearances. Whatever the reason LvG doesn't fancy him it must be something to do with injuries or training because contrary to the narrative recently he's been okay when he's played, though not at the heights of Fergie's last season.

Sad to see him likely go but I dearly hope he can do well for himself elsewhere. It doesn't always work out even for those with the obvious talent so hopefully he can turn it around.

 

[ChaddyP]

Only No Da Silvas.

Player name user names always bite back somehow.

 

[Mockney]

sad face

 

[Van Piorsing]

So the only legit fullbacks left would be Darmian and Varela... I would rather test them on tour first before dumping Rafael for some silly money.

 

[Bojan11]

So the only legit fullbacks left would be Darmian and Varela... I would rather test them on tour first before dumping Rafael for some silly money.

That makes no sense.

If they do well then what? You remember last season how a lot of our players looked during pre season.

Is Shaw not a legit fullback? Valencia played there for half the season. I don't see the point of keeping him as backup, when he can't stay fit.

 

[a_devil_inside]

I was hoping he would find a way to get back in the team but was just wishful thinking. He's a very good player but not available as much as he should be, so I see why he's off.
I say just keep him and stick him upfront with Rooney

 

[Van Piorsing]

That makes no sense.

If they do well then what? You remember last season how a lot of our players looked during pre season.

Is Shaw not a legit fullback? Valencia played there for half the season. I don't see the point of keeping him as backup, when he can't stay fit.

Shaw won't cover right back plus Varela and Darmian didn't played a single league game for this club yet.

If they do well ? They need to be tested first to acknowledged that. How's that making no sense ? Did you saw Varela in action on a highest level ?

If Rafael can't stay fit then he won't pass medical for any club anyway and I still think he's a better back up option than Varela.

 

[RoyoftheRavers]

I always liked his attitude and willingness to go forward. It's a pity he's so injury prone because I think he could have worked the rashness out of his game with more matches.

Hope he goes to Cardiff now. At least somebody should be able to sing "Viva Da Silvas, Viva Da Silvaaas, Runnin up the pitch, Dunno which is which, Viva Da Silvas"

 

[Bojan11]

Shaw won't cover right back plus Varela and Darmian didn't played a single league game for this club yet.

If they do well ? They need to be tested first to acknowledged that. How's that making no sense ? Did you saw Varela in action on a highest level ?

If Rafael can't stay fit then he won't pass medical for any club anyway and I still think he's a better back up option than Varela.

So how exactly is preseason a test? Fletcher looked fecking great in preseason last year.

So do you want us to have four right backs? i don't know how you can say Darmian has not been tested yet. So by your logic anyone we sign abroad has not been tested. He's the number 1 right back for Italy.

 

[stevoc]

Why do you think LvG has replaced him?

Well it's nothing to do with him being a ''walking red card'' or the ''biggest liability in the last 10 years'' thats for sure or any similar nonsense.

Aside from his injuries he's probably just too gung ho for Van Gaal's tastes, he loves Valencia because he retains the ball and takes 0 risks. For LVG retaining possession is all and Rafa probably can't adapt to that style.

Rafael fitted into Ferguson's philosophy perfectly, but LVG obviously likes a less attacking full back evidenced by the fact he has bought a converted centre back to replace him.

 

[stevoc]

Three times in total or once every 46 appearance.

Probably twice as many as the 19 Sergio Ramos racked up so far.

Couldn't be something average like 3, or something......

Thanks for the info guys i actually knew, was just trying to make a point to the guy who called him a walking red card.

 

[Skills]

I will always remember when him and Fabio beat Arsenal single handedly as our wingers in an 8 man defence. What a game that was!

 

[BennyBlanco]

Anyone care to offer examples of Rafael being a defensive liability in recent times? I keep hearing it but I never hear any actual examples other than that stupid Leicester game with Clattenburg.

I remember Shaw giving a way a penalty and getting sent off (understandable) and Valencia giving away countless opportunities with poor positioning but I'm struggling to recall too many from Rafa albeit limited appearances. Whatever the reason LvG doesn't fancy him it must be something to do with injuries or training because contrary to the narrative recently he's been okay when he's played, though not at the heights of Fergie's last season.

Sad to see him likely go but I dearly hope he can do well for himself elsewhere. It doesn't always work out even for those with the obvious talent so hopefully he can turn it around.

Rember Liverpool at OT under Moyes 0-0 at the time, before Rafael picked up a rubbish yellow card from a stupid tackle, then proceeded to lose Suarez over his shoulder in the box and hand ball it just minutes later, resulting in a penalty and SHOULD have been a 2nd yellow and a rightful sending off, Clattenburg took pity on him, just giving the penalty.

Thats one that irked the hell out of me.

 

[Danillaco]

I'm really, really sad today.

Rafael is a great player.

 

[fallengt]

I would pick Rafael as 2nd Choice RB over Valencia.

Tony's been consistently average for a long time and he's still here . Some players had one or two bad seasons and they all gone . I don't mind him as an backup but still we need better option.

 

[Van Piorsing]

So how exactly is preseason a test? Fletcher looked fecking great in preseason last year.

So do you want us to have four right backs? i don't know how you can say Darmian has not been tested yet. So by your logic anyone we sign abroad has not been tested. He's the number 1 right back for Italy.

We don't have a four right backs. We have young Varela who didn't had real impact on his loan deal, new addition in Darmian who is about to experience his first matches for new team and Rafael who despite injury problems was already present in two successful title campaigns. He's not even that old, 25 years is a good age to reverse the tide rather than sell him for a 4.99 when you could clearly see his previous positive impact on our team.

Valencia is not even a right back. I'm surprised you see him as one. If he was a legit defender Louie wouldn't have to hurry with finding a guy like Darmian.

 

[Striker10]

Sadly one of the few people that would was LvG....

Well I think LVG is probably looking at Jones as perhaps a part time full back too. I don't think it's a given Valencia, should we bring in the defender most of us expect.