Rafael has hit out at former boss Louis van Gaal after feeling he was unfairly treated in his final months at Old Trafford.

Speaking after his £2.5million move to French club Lyon, the Brazilian claims that van Gaal did not like him as a player and speculated as to the reason why.

Rafael said: "I know this history that he doesn't like Brazilians, but I can't say 'Oh, he doesn't like Brazilians. I know that he didn't like me, but if that's because I'm Brazilian, I don't know."

Rafael was referring to van Gaal;s troublesome relationship with Rivaldo at former club Barcelona and feels as though the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought the 25 year-old to Old Trafford, was pivotal.

"I did the complete season, when he [Ferguson] left. In 2012-13 I played almost every game, it was my best season at United, we were even champions," he added.

"And that's when they changed the manager. That change was fatal for me. I was going well, then Ferguson left."

Speaking on his choice of club, Rafael hopes that his move to Ligue 1 will see him earn more game time: "The truth is that after van Gaal arrived, I played little. And a player always wants to play. Here (at Lyon) I have more opportunities."