Manchester United likely to sell Rafael in the summer

Manchester United are prepared to dispose of the services of Brazilian full back Rafael in the summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The Brazilian full-back, whose season has been blighted with injuries, has failed to get into the side over the past few games and has made only nine appearances thus far.

Louis van Gaal is reportedly unhappy at the player's hard handed approach to football on the pitch for which he has been sent off multiple times, thus putting the team into trouble.

The Dutchman has preferred to use Paddy McNair out of position than Rafael in that position and is reportedly looking to bring in Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton to cover that position next summer.

Rafael's contract with the Red Devils ends in 2016 and unless he manages to put in a string of disciplined games under the purview of the manager, his duration at Old Trafford looks to have run its course.

However, everything depends on Van Gaal's situation at the club in the summer, with his job expected to be on the line should he fail to lead his side to a top four finish. The 20-time Champions are currently fourth in the table, a point behind Arsenal but only two points ahead of Liverpool, who have stumbled upon a rich vein of form.

The Dutchman shall lead his side to what is expected to be the most important game of their season against Arsenal at Old Trafford in the quarter finals of the FA Cup, where anything less than a win will put the pressure on the Dutchman to finish in the top four.

The Gunners are in good form themselves, winning seven out of their last eight games in the league, with their last loss coming against arch rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane.