Premier League: Manchester United’s Louis Van Gaal puts Radamel Falcao on notice

MANCHESTER United boss Louis van Gaal said striker Radamel Falcao must prove himself, warning that his financial value won’t influence selection.

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MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal said striker Radamel Falcao must prove himself, warning that a player’s financial value never influenced his selection policy.

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The Colombia international was left out of van Gaal’s 18-man squad for United’s 1-0 loss to Southampton last weekend as the Dutchman instead named three centre-backs — Jonny Evans, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair — on the substitutes’ bench.

Van Gaal later insisted that Falcao, who has scored three goals in 11 games for United, had been left out for tactical reasons.

Radamel Falcao celebrates scoring a goal.

Falcao joined United in a loan deal worth $29 million which includes wages, from AS Monaco in August and the Red Devils have the option to make it permanent after the end of the season for an additional $80 million.

Van Gaal also insisted the financial value of a player remains secondary to what they produce on the pitch.

“He (Falcao) has to prove himself, that we have agreed,” van Gaal said.

“It is not the end of the year so he has a chance.

“It is the quality of the training sessions and quality in his matches and I have to have a game plan”

Radamel Falcao on the day he moved to Old Trafford.

Despite his assessment, the Dutch manager said there were no issues with the confidence of Falcao, who has also struggled with injuries since arriving at Old Trafford.

“Is his morale good? I think so,” he said.

“You will have to wait and see if he plays. Because if I say that then part of my line-up is known.

“Then I make it easy for my opponent and I don’t want to make it easy.”

United will check on the fitness of Robin van Persie, who is nursing an ankle problem, ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash at Queens Park Rangers while winger Ashley Young remains out with a hamstring injury.

Manchester United's manager Louis van Gaal.

Van Gaal expects QPR will provide a stern test for his players at Loftus Road even though Harry Redknapp’s side are battling to avoid relegation from the top-flight.

“I think their players shall do everything to beat Manchester United, it is always the same because United is a big club.

“QPR have a playing style that’s difficult for us. They play a lot of long balls. We have to beat them.”

Originally published as Premier League: Manchester United’s Louis Van Gaal puts Radamel Falcao on notice