United’s players are all fighting to stay with the club, says Rafael

David Cooper - Writer 07:06 21/09/2014
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  • Contract hopes: Rafael is playing to earn a new deal at Old Trafford.

    Manchester United defender Rafael says Louis van Gaal’s ruth­less regime change at the club means nobody is safe.

    Rafael is out of contract at the end of next season and will attempt to convince his Dutch coach he is worthy of a new deal.

    And after a transfer window where Van Gaal shipped out plenty of dead wood and brought in some expensive new faces, Rafael admits it serves as a warning that players must excel if they are to stay at Old Trafford.

    “I am glad I am still here, but sad because a lot of friends have left,” Rafael said. “I want to keep going and stay here forever, if possible.

    “It depends on you to play well, I need to play well. I just want to stay here.

    “I came here at 15-years-old so I have to say that I feel at home here.

    “I can never say enough about this club. It is one of the best clubs in the world, if not the best in the world.”

    Van Gaal will look to record his second win today when United travel to Leicester.

    The Foxes are one of the favour­ites for relegation, but Van Gaal has been impressed by the spirit they have shown so far this term.

    “They have had some difficult games,” the United boss said of the Premier League newcomers, who have taken five points from their opening four matches.

    “For one hour against Chelsea away, it was 0-0, so I don’t think it’s an easy game.

    “They were behind (against Arse­nal) and they came back (to draw) so the character in their team is very good.”

    Defender Chris Smalling has re­covered from a groin injury and is available for United, although Sam Johnstone (elbow), Phil Jones (hamstring), Ashley Young (groin), Michael Carrick (ankle), Jesse Lin­gard (knee), Marouane Fellaini (an­kle) are out.

    Reece James and James Wilson are unlikely to feature due to un­specified injuries, but left-back Luke Shaw could make his debut.

    Meanwhile, home boss Nigel Pearson believes his side face a United team who got their “swag­ger” back after their 4-0 demolition of QPR last week.

    He said: “When you have some­one in charge for as long as Sir Alex (Ferguson) the transition period will never be easy.

    “But United look like they have a swagger back, they have added quality. Whenever there is a change in manager you can have people who have a short-term impact.” 

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