They reveal that former Man United figure mistreated youth players

The atmosphere within a football dressing room can be a complex mix of camaraderie and competition. Former Manchester United defender Rafael Da Silva has recently shed light on a less harmonious aspect of his time at Old Trafford, accusing Carlos Tevez of mistreating the club's young players.

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Rafael Da Silva's Criticism: "He Mistreated the Young Lads"

Rafael Da Silva, who spent seven seasons at Manchester United, has revealed his dislike for Carlos Tevez, not as a player, but as a person. Speaking to SportTV, the Brazilian defender claimed that Tevez had a habit of criticising and mistreating the club's younger players.

The 2008/09 Season: A Shared Dressing Room

Rafael Da Silva and Carlos Tevez were teammates during the 2008/09 season, a period that left a lasting negative impression on the Brazilian. He stated, "I'm not a fan of his, not as a person. I've never been a fan of his because Tevez liked to criticise the new players. He did a lot against the young lads. He mistreated the young lads at United."

A Derby Clash: Revenge Served Cold

Rafael Da Silva did not elaborate on specific incidents, but he admitted to a moment of retribution during a Manchester derby in 2010. By then, Tevez had crossed the city divide to join Manchester City, adding further fuel to the rivalry. A heated confrontation ensued between the two players, with Rafael Da Silva recalling, "He left United for City. The fight happened, and I hit him. The referee blew the whistle for a foul. I did that to take him out, he pushed me, and it started."

Rafael Da Silva's Perspective: Respect and Resentment

Despite the on-field animosity, Rafael Da Silva acknowledged that Tevez was always respectful towards him personally. However, he reiterated his disdain for Tevez's treatment of the young players, stating, "He always respected me, but he really messed with the young lads there, so I never liked him."

Rafael Da Silva's Career: From United to Brazil

Rafael Da Silva's career saw him win eight trophies during his seven seasons at Manchester United. He later moved to Olympique Lyon in 2015 and currently plays for Botafogo in Brazil. He was also a silver medallist at the 2012 London Olympics.

Rafael Da Silva's revelations offer a glimpse into the dynamics of a high-profile dressing room and the potential for conflict between players. His accusations against Carlos Tevez paint a picture of a player who was not universally popular among his teammates, particularly the younger ones.