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'Everyone told me... 'he HATES Brazilians'': Man United cult hero Rafael says Louis van Gaal bluntly told him to leave because of his nationality - and claims Rivaldo got similar treatment at Barcelona

Former Manchester United defender Rafael has claimed Louis van Gaal bluntly told him to leave the club because he 'hates' Brazilian players.

The 31-year-old has made his fractious relationship with van Gaal no secret and previously described him as 'one of the worst' coaches he has ever worked with.

The season before Van Gaal took over, Rafael had been a fairly regular starter at United, but in the Dutchman's first campaign in 2014-15 he was reduced to just 11 appearances.

Van Gaal made it clear early on that Rafael was not part of his plans at Old Trafford and offloaded him to Lyon in 2015, ending the Brazilian's seven-year stay at the club.