Rafael: 'I didn't enjoy playing for Louis van Gaal'

Former Manchester United defender Rafael has admitted that he did not enjoy playing under the club's current manager Louis van Gaal.

The Brazilian, who joined United in 2008 alongside twin brother Fabio, left Old Trafford to join French side Lyon in the summer, having featured in just 10 Premier League matches last season.

"Consistency is everything in football. You get games, you feel better. You enjoy it more and your fitness is better. When you've not played for a long time, it's very hard for the player," the Daily Mail quotes the 25-year-old as saying.

"When Van Gaal arrived I could see I wasn't in the plan. When you're a player you can feel it, you can see it. The 10 games I played I thought I played very well apart from [a 5-3 defeat to] Leicester. It's hard to know.

"To be honest I didn't really enjoy to play when Van Gaal was there. Everyone is different. Results matter so if they can win the league it will be a different story. I like to enjoy myself, to try things and do stuff. Last year I wasn't doing that. I watch them play and I've heard some things as well, but it's hard. Football is for the fans. They want to see good football."

Rafael has featured in 16 matches in all competitions for Lyon since joining the French side in August.