Rafael: Why Ole deserves huge credit
Former Manchester United defender Rafael believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves a lot of the credit for helping Luke Shaw win the Players' Player of the Year award for 2020/21.
The Brazilian, currently with Istanbul Basaksehir, has been impressed with his fellow full-back's consistent performances and posted a heartfelt message on social media to explain that Luke's inner belief has spurred him towards this accolade.
That has been aided by the manager's man-management skills as the England international aims to cap a fine season with the Europa League trophy and a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 side.
Ole just need to take a big credit in this luke shaw come back, I can say he trust him when nobody did. Congrats for your come back luke.For people out there never give up in your dreams even when everything and everybody is against you. ❤️ @LukeShaw23
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) May 18, 2021
"Ole just needs to take a big credit in this Luke Shaw comeback," commented Rafael. "I can say he trusted him when nobody else did. Congrats for your comeback, Luke. For people out there, never give up in your dreams, even when everything and everybody is against you."
Shaw was also voted runner-up in the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year poll, with Bruno Fernandes coming out on top.
Rafael played in both games against the Reds in this season's Champions League and is still universally revered by our supporters.
He told us before the tie at Old Trafford: "Ole was starting his career as a coach here when I started and he helped me a lot, he helped my brother [Fabio] a lot, so I just thank Ole for everything and I hope he can have a great career at Manchester United.”