Manchester United (MU) manager Louis van Gaal said Friday that striker Radamel Falcao must prove himself, warning that a player’s financial value never influences his selection policy.
The Colombia international was left out of van Gaalâs 18-man matchday squad for Uniteda’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.
Falcao joined United in a loan deal worth £16 million ($24 million, 21 million euros) 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 £44 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 told a news conference on Friday. Because of that we have made this deal and everything is clear.
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,” he added.
I explained it after the Southampton game. If a player cost £95 million or £5,000 it makes no difference to me.
