Manchester United's Louis van Gaal: 'Rafael da Silva has unbelievable mentality'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was impressed by Rafael da Silva's commitment when the Brazilian continued to play on against Yeovil Town with a suspected fractured cheekbone.

Van Gaal confirmed after United's 2-0 win over Yeovil in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday that both Rafael and Luke Shaw suffered injuries during the away fixture.

Despite getting injured in the first half, 24-year-old Rafael chose to stay on the field until half time at Huish Park.

"Rafael has an injury, a fracture of his bone, so it was fantastic that he had the guts that he could play through but I had to change him," the Manchester Evening News quotes Van Gaal as saying.

"He played through the pain because in the last few weeks he hasn't played much but he now can play he is injured. He has a fantastic mentality Rafa, he is unbelievable."

Shaw suffered an ankle injury during the encounter.