The news that Manchester United are set to sell Rafael to Lyon has divided opinion amongst fans.
On the one hand, the Brazilian right-back is a fans’ favourite who has always given everything whenever he has been on the pitch.
On the other, Rafael’s expressive style of play was never really going to fit in under the pragmatic Louis van Gaal.
We asked our Twitter followers how they felt after hearing the news:
@PeoplesPerson_ good for his career. Don't want to see him wasted but the fee is very low
— Sutty (@Sutty_Jr) August 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ poor value. Experienced defender and still young. Barely got £10m combined for him, Nani and Van Persie
— Stu M (@uggy7) August 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Good move for him, he leaves us as a hero will be missed sorely but anyways good for his career
— Vasu Jain (@vasu_reddevil) August 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ In footballing terms not too worried. He was a brilliant servant. Example to the players and future players.
— Austyn. (@15Shaw) August 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ awful decision for that kind of money. he's one of the only players to play with heart and passion
— Dan Price (@hellodanprice) August 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Loved him for his heart, but made too many rash mistakes and his fitness issues showed no sign of improvement.
— Wesley Charnock (@WesleyCharnock) August 3, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ will be missed for his commitment and desire, but ultimately was not good/consistent enough for the club
— Mujtaba Hussain (@H7MUJ) August 3, 2015
Rafael’s commitment was never in question but his ability to defend often was.
Add to that his tendency to make rash decisions, and it was always unlikely that he would thrive under van Gaal.
The experienced Dutchman preferred Antonio Valencia for the majority of last season and Matteo Darmian has also come in this summer. The latter performed particularly well during United’s pre-season tour of the United States.