‘Louis Van Gaal was the worst manager I’ve ever worked with in my career. On only his second day in the job, he looked me in the face and said, “I don’t like you”: Rafael da Silva on why his Manchester United career came to an end

The transfer of 17-year-old Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael da Silva to Manchester United in 2008 stands out as one of the more unconventional moves of that period at Old Trafford.

At the time of their transatlantic move, neither twin had made an appearance for the Fluminense first team. The British media quickly referred to them as “the Brazilian Neville brothers,” highlighting their notable speed and offensive capabilities.

During his five years with Manchester United, which included a loan to Queens Park Rangers, Fabio made only 22 appearances in the Premier League before departing the club in 2013 to join Cardiff City. In contrast, Rafael experienced a more successful tenure at Old Trafford.

Rafael on his instant falling out with Louis van Gaal

Throughout a seven-year period, he made a total of 170 appearances across all competitions. However, the appointment of Louis van Gaal, who is ranked No. 20 on FourFourTwo’s list of the 100 greatest managers of all time, in 2014 signaled the onset of a decline in his career.

Under the Dutch manager, Rafael found his playing time significantly reduced, acknowledging that he faced greater challenges while working with the former Ajax and Barcelona coach.

“Absolutely, without a doubt,” Rafael tells FourFourTwo. “He was the worst coach I’ve ever worked with in my career – no question about it. I’ll tell you the reason why: he just looked me in the face and said, “I don’t like you.”

“Can you believe it? The guy wanted me out of the football club on his second day in the job. I ended up playing a few games, but only because Ryan Giggs and some other senior names begged him to let me play.”