Radamel Falcao’s struggle for form has seen the on-loan Monaco striker selected for Manchester United Under-21s for the first time in Tuesday evening’s game with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, with the Colombian to partner James Wilson in attack.
While Warren Joyce’s side lead the U21 Premier League from Spurs on goal difference, having played a match more, Falcao’s inclusion is the latest indication that he is fighting to convince Louis van Gaal Monaco should be paid the £43m fee required to make him a permanent acquisition, with the 29-year-old on a season-long loan from the French club.
Falcao has been an unused replacement in United’s past two games. In the 1-0 win at Newcastle United, Van Gaal opted to bring on Michael Carrick as his third substitute on 88 minutes when the game was still goalless.
In Monday evening’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final, the manager again refused to turn to Falcao after the Danny Welbeck 61st-minute strike that proved the winner. At that point Van Gaal had one substitute remaining and he opted for Andan Januzaj instead after 73 minutes.
Rafael Da Silva and Victor Valdés are also in the XI to face Spurs.
