Manchester United right back Rafael da Silva more commonly known as Rafael appears to be on his way out of the club with his new destination being Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais. According to French magazine L’Equipe Rafael is expected to have his medical in the coming week and the deal will be worth three million euros. The full back has been linked with a number of clubs during the transfer window and was left off United’s pre-season tour of America which was an indication that his time with the Red Devils may be done.

During the 2014-15 season Louis van Gaal preferred to use Antonio Valencia over Rafael at right back despite Valencia naturally being a winger.

Rafael spent a considerable amount of the season injured and when fit; he found it hard to come by chances in the first team. Earlier in the transfer window, Manchester United brought Matteo Darmian from Torino, Darmian also plays at right back and is known to be an attacking minded player like Rafael. United manager Louis van Gaal stated that he would play Darmian as the second choice right back behind Valencia, showing that he has no intention to use Rafael next season.

The transfer was fairly low-key until Rafael responded to a tweet from a fan, pretty much confirming his impending departure from the club. Rafael is a fan favourite, known for giving everything on the pitch and will be particularly remembered for his exploits during Manchester United’s run towards the title in the 2012-13 campaign.

Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, United have looked to head in a new direction and van Gaal has deemed that Rafael doesn’t suit his philosophy or the direction that the club is heading in.

Should Rafael leave, he will exit the Premier League having won three Premier League titles, three Community Shields, one Football League Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.

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