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4th August 2015
03:03pm BST

Outsiders find the regard with which United fans hold the Brazilian as deluded; they see the fact that Rafael will wear the number 20 at Lyon by way of a tribute to United's 20 titles a bit pathetic.
How can anyone be so sad about a former prospect whose youthful potential never truly blossomed, is the repeated question. Isn't his fixation with the club he's leaving a tad disrespectful to Lyon?
https://twitter.com/ChrisMcHardy19/status/628493156854566912
Such cynical sentiments may harbour some validity, but in a sport that has become increasingly mercenary, the mutual sadness is unusually tender and heartfelt.
Rafael didn't quite end up becoming the player that United fans had hoped. Many argue that the club didn't give the him an adequate crack of the whip, especially in recent years.
https://twitter.com/juanmata8/status/628529623446487040
Regardless, both player and fans face the future with a pang of regret. When a player with such talent, bravery, willing and enormous heart doesn't make it, it is always a crying shame.
Sometimes it's best that things do end, even if you expected they would go on for much longer.Explore more on these topics: