Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has hit back at Rafael da Silva over claims he "hates Brazilians".

Istanbul Basaksehir defender Rafael made the claim during his book promotion.

But Van Gaal told The Athletic: "You can't imagine a human being or coach — if he doesn't think one Brazilian is professional - thinks the same of the rest of the population of Brazil. He (Rafael) was played out of the team by Antonio Valencia.

"Honestly, he lost the battle with Valencia. I transformed Valencia from a right-winger to a right full-back. Valencia also played as a right full-back after my dismissal for the coach Jose Mourinho, so was my choice a bad one?"