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Manchester United is willing to part ways with their right-back Rafael da Silva and will be listening to offers for the young Brazilian, as per Sky Sports. Turkish club Galatasaray and Italian sides Fiorentina and Napoli are thought to be interested in signing the player.
Along with his twin brother Fabio, Rafael joined Manchester United from Fluminense in January 2007. The Brazilian had an impressive debut season and won the Premier League, earning a contract extension in the process.
He became an important first-team player in the subsequent seasons and would go on to win two more Premier League titles with the club. He made his international debut for Brazil in May 2012 in a game against Denmark.
However, the 24-year-old has been a peripheral figure for his club in the last two seasons due to injuries and inconsistencies in his game. He has made a total of 169 appearances in his time at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal doesn’t view Rafael as an important first-team player
The Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal reportedly doesn’t view Rafael as part of his long-term plans for the club after the defender played only 11 games for United in the 2014/15 season. The Dutch coach utilised Antonio Valencia at the right-back position primarily and the Ecuadorian also signed a three-year contract extension last year that has raised doubts about the future of Rafael.
United do seem to have a problem at the right-back position currently as Antonio Valencia is at best a make-shift replacement in the position. Liverpool pipped their rivals to the signing of Nathaniel Clyne who was believed to have been a long-time Manchester United target.
Right-back problems for United
With Rafael probably on the way out and Clyne out of the question, the Old Trafford faithful will be getting jittery about the right-back position if Manchester United do not strengthen in the transfer window.
Apart from Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones has been able to deputise in the past but they’re both at best replacements. United will have to improve if they hope to mount any sort of title challenge in the upcoming season.
United have further problems up front having let go of Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie seemingly on the cusp of leaving the club, they may need to strengthen in more than one department.
