Done deal: Man United confirm Rafael has joined Lyon

Posted Tuesday, August 04, 2015 by squawka.com

Man United have confirmed that full-back Rafael has joined Lyon on a four-year deal, as reported by the club’s official website.

The Brazilian was made surplus to requirements by United boss Louis van Gaal this summer after only making 10 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Van Gaal instead preferred to convert Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia into a full-back, while Rafael’s chances of first team action took another blow following the signing of Matteo Darmian from Torino.

The player, whose twin brother Fabio was sold to Cardiff City last year, has failed to live up to his early potential at Old Trafford.

The pair arrived from Brazilian club Fluminense in 2008 and while Fabio struggled to break into the side on a regular basis, with Patrice Evra at his peak at the time, Rafael was given opportunities to replace long-serving Gary Neville, who retired in 2011.

The Brazilian played 169 games for United, winning eight trophies including three league title. He has two caps for Brazil, having made his debut in 2012.

However, Rafael has struggled to assert himself among the plethora of talent in that position available, including Barcelona’s Dani Alves, Roma and former Inter man Maicon and new Real Madrid signing Danilo.