---
title: "Rafael da Silva quits United for Lyon"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/08/03/rafael-da-silva-quits-united-for-lyon/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Transfer News"
published: "2015-08-03T19:47:31Z"
modified: "2015-08-03T19:47:31Z"
---

# Rafael da Silva quits United for Lyon

**Manchester United right-back, Rafael da Silva, has completed his move to Lyon after being all but frozen out of the line-up during the 2014/15 season.**

The undisclosed fee sees the 25-year-old sign a four-year contract. Having had only one term remaining on his deal at Old Trafford, Rafael would have faced another campaign in the dugout had he stayed, van Gaal revealing that he was not part of his designs for the title race nor the Champions League return.

In a ‘very Brazilian good mood’ upon his arrival in France, the Ligue 1 outfits president, Jean-Michel Auslas described him as such over social media.

Despite promising potential that himself and his twin brother showed under Sir Alex Ferguson, the defender had fallen even further behind in the pecking order with Matteo Darmian’s arrival. Additionally, Antonio Valencia will also be competing for the jersey.

After joining the club in 2008, the once fan favourites departure will reduce the wage bill as part of a summer clear out by the Dutch gaffer.