United should have persisted with Da Silva: Neville

Gary Neville doesn’t think Manchester United was spot on with their decision of getting rid of Rafael Da Silva back in 2015. Neville reckons the Brazilian defender had it in him to become the main men of United’s backline and they have been at a loss by letting him go.

United, since the departure of Da Silva, has tried many players in the right back position, but most of them have not been natural at that position. The likes of Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have been used at that position on a regular basis, but that’s not their preferred position and although their performance has been quite decent, Neville is of the opinion that United should look for a proper right back and if that costs them big bucks at once, so be it, but they need a long term option there.

According to Neville, United wouldn’t have been in this situation actually if they had not let Da Silva go because he was someone who fit that profile perfectly, but then for some reason, the hierarchy decided that they didn’t need his services and it was probably not the right call to make at that point of time.

“I thought when I left that Rafael Da Silva was perfect as Manchester United full-back. He was tenacious, aggressive, decent on the ball and he was sold.” Neville was quoted saying by Sky Sports.

Da Silva, since leaving United, has been plying his trade in the French top division and has been pretty good in his role over there for Lyon. In the 2018-19 Season, his form was a little shaky, but overall during the 4 seasons that he has been at Lyon, he has been pretty consistent and has strengthened their defense.