Rafael Facing The Axe?

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly told Rafael da Silva that he has no future at Old Trafford, along with six of his teammates. The right back left the U.S tour beacuse of the groin injury and can leave this summer.

The newly appointed manager has already announced that the club is ready to listen to offers for Marouane Fellaini, Wilfried Zaha, Nani and youngster Will Keane. Javier Hernandez and Anderson are also said to be on the list of potential exits, but Shinji Kagawa has been given another chance by the dutch manager.

Even if some of the names on the list were expected, the departure of the Brazilian right back will come as a surprise. One reason might be that United do not have any other right back in the squad and even if Smalling and Jones have covered for him in the past but since LVG has been playing with 3 defenders at the back, they will be required in the middle of the park.

Though he has never been consistent and often let his team down by unnecessary tackles, he has also produced some fantastic performances. The always smiling defender has enjoyed quite a lot of success since joining the club in 2008 along with his twin brother Fabio and has won 3 premier league titles.

Last season, the player only managed 19 appearances for United in the Premier League. Still just 24 he certainly has lots of potential and one can say that another chance can be given to him.

Rafael is a potential leader for LvG and United, but it is unlikely he will stay fit enough to be relied upon. Valencia has had his position on the wing taken away from him by Van Gaal’s new 5-3-2 formation, but he may now have a stay of execution, with the right wing-back position up for grabs.Though not a natural defender his work rate keeps him in good positions and with three centre-backs in the team, Valencia could have the cover he needs to cement his place and become an asset.