Rafael has admitted to being part of an extremely disappointing campaign with Manchester United.
The Red Devils dropped right off the pace in 2013/14 after being champions the previous season which has prompted the Brazilian full-back to suggest that the change of manager from Sir Alex Ferguson to David Moyes contributed to the fall from grace.
But Rafael also feels the United players are as equally to blame for the change in fortunes at Old Trafford.
"The year was not normal. I had been there for six years, I was a champion three times, runners-up twice," he told Globo Esporte.
"I think this is football, we changed manager after 26 years and that affects any team. Each manager has his own style.
"The players are to blame too, the things changed off the field, now we have to try again next season."
For breaking stories and all the great banter like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tribalfootball