LVG Radamel Falcao Will build his confidence in U21 fixtures

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has defended his decision to play Radamel Falcao in the club’s U21 side earlier this week.

The Colombia international forward has endured a difficult time since arriving at Old Trafford on loan from Monaco on the final day of the summer window last year.

And, having been an unused substitute for Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final loss to Arsenal, he then found himself starting for the U21 side against Tottenham 24 hours later.

But Van Gaal says that playing in that game was in no way ignominious for Falcao, pointing out that he regularly gives big name players the opportunity to build their confidence in U21 fixtures.

“That is one of the aspects, that I let my players play in the second squad,” said Van Gaal.

“I have read in a lot of papers that it is a humiliation. I don’t think so.

“It is a professional attitude of the manager, of the management of the club, but especially also of the player.”

Falcao was not the only famous name to feature against Spurs, as Van Gaal observed.

“Not only Falcao has played, (goalkeeper, Victor) Valdes has played, also Rafa da Silva has played,” he said.

“Rafa da Silva played a wonderful match and scored a wonderful goal. Because of that, he can grip again his confidence.”

Falcao is a dual Ballon d'Or nominee but he has scored just four times for United since joining on loan and, despite playing for 72 minutes in the U21 game against Spurs, he again failed to find the target.