Rafael da Silva was one of the star entertainers for Istanbul Basaksehir when the Turkish side beat Manchester United 2-1 a fortnight prior.
The Brazilian brought back recollections of his showcases for Sir Alex Ferguson’s title-winning sides with a completely dedicated presentation from right-back. Rafael along with Ferdinand, Vidic, and Evra formed a solid defensive wall for united for years. The opposition were hardly given any chance to score and United ruled the premier league under this defensive setup.
Rafael is a player Solskjaer knows well, having helped him gotten through United’s stores during his time as a mentor. It was unexpected when Rafael was sold by Louis van Gaal in 2015. Solskjaer has told the club site he was disillusioned to see him go.
Solskjaer said: “It’s always good to see Rafa. He’s such a fantastic boy, but I want to see a smile on my face rather than his face after the game this time.”
“He’s a Red through and through. I was disappointed when we let him go because he’s such a valuable player and person to have in and around the group. He’s just one of those players with Man United DNA so he knows what we feel about him and what I feel about him.”
Manchester United fans felt a similar way when Rafael left. It didn’t sit right that he was cleared out when he had a lot more to bring to the table. Solskjaer’s remarks show likewise how he kept on after the club as a fan during his time away from Old Trafford.
Solskjaer marked Rafael’s sibling Fabio during his administrative spell at Cardiff. Rafael went through five years at Lyon before his agreement terminated this previous summer.
He has arrived on his feet in Turkey and at 30 years old, actually, has bounty more to bring to the table, as his presentation against United this previous end of the week appeared.
It will be a passionate night for him to re-visitation Old Trafford this evening. The genuine disgrace is that allies won’t be in participation to give him the acclaim and gathering he merits.
