Rafael Da Silva was never going to be considered the best right-back in world football, but he enjoyed an incredibly successful spell with Manchester United.Signed along with his twin brother Fabio in 2008, he would go onto make 169 appearances for the Red Devils before eventually leaving for Lyon seven years later.Perhaps his most successful season came in 2012-13 where Sir Alex Ferguson fielded him on 40 occasions on the way to the Premier League title and before his retirement.It was a manager with whom Rafael shared a very close relationship, noting in 2017 that the legendary coach even sent his mother flowers when he arrived at the club.The Brazilian recalled: “He [Sir Alex] helped my family when they arrived, he sent flowers to my Mum – I will never forget that. He’s a gentleman, There are no words to speak about him.”

Rafael's successful spell at Man Utd

And despite his departure, Rafael has remained something of a fans' favourite and continues to be discussed in forums today.

He continues to reference his time at Old Trafford with great praise and recently sent his best wishes to his old manager Ferguson when he was taken ill.

As a result, supporters have continued to track his progress and although his performances for Lyon aren't exactly going viral, his Twitter activity can often attract attention.

Rafael shuts down Man City fan on Twitter

That was certainly the case this week in a random episode started by a United supporter tweeting that Rafael was underrated.

A pretty harmless comment and pretty spot on to be fair, but one Manchester City fan was having absolutely none of it and replied: 'Wow he was s***e!!!'

Little did he know but Rafael himself saw this tweet, replied and delivered a brilliant comeback.

Check out his sensational response below:

Taxi for Twitter user @BLUE_MOON_123.

During his time at Old Trafford, Rafael won the Premier League title three times in 2009, 2011 and 2013 which is the same number of league crowns City have ever achieved in the competition.

In terms of Premier League wins, City are level with one Brazilian right-back and Rafael couldn't help pointing that out.

He is raking in the 'likes' for his efforts too and the tweet will only endear him further with the United faithful.

Man Utd fans react on Twitter

Unsurprisingly, Man Utd fans simply loved it - check out some the replies below:

However, whether or not Rafael's statement will stand up by the time May rolls around remains to be seen with City appearing to hold the advantage in Manchester.

There is a negativity around Old Trafford at the moment and if City can maintain the football they played last season, don't be surprised if they retain the trophy.

Even then, though, they'll need another nine to catch up United.

Do you think Rafael was underrated at United? Have your say in the comments section below.