Manchester United’s Louis van Gaal could have just given the biggest indicator that he isn’t the biggest fan of Rafael da Silva, as he opted for an unorthodox choice at right-wingback today in favour of the Brazilian – Ashley Young.
Young has been in fine form of late, but due to an injury to Antonio Valencia many expected Rafael would slot right in as a natural replacement but that wasn’t the case.
I think its telling that Van Gaal refused to use the right-back today, particularly as Ashley Young normally operates from the left hand side.
Louis van Gaal may be forced to utilise Rafael now though, with injuries to the aforementioned Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, whom he has clearly favoured. The cup game against Yeovil town would be a good starting point for Rafael, but you wonder whether our Dutch manager has already made his mind up.
We’ve been linked with a move for a right-back from a few credible sources in recent weeks, with Nathaniel Clyne or Seamus Coleman touted as possible January signings. This news coupled with Rafael’s prolonged absences through injury could spell trouble for the 24-year old Brazilian.
Some will say that Rafael is just returning from injury hence his exclusion from the team, but that wasn’t the case for Luke Shaw, who has actually been injured longer than Rafael before being thrown straight in at the deep end.
You wonder whether its his petulance thats putting Louis van Gaal off, or the fact that he seems to be constantly injured. I’m a huge fan of Rafael, so I hope he can prove the doubters wrong and hopefully he’ll get his chance.
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