Radamel Falcao’s season just got from bad to worse as the Colombian international was not just made to play in the under-21 squad against Tottenham Hotspur, but he was also substituted in the match after producing another disappointing performance.
The Colombia international is on a lucrative season-long loan from Monaco for the rest of the campaign. If United are to make it into a permanent one, they have to allegedly pay a ridiculous 43 million. On the evidence of his recent performance, it is unlikely United will make the temporary move into a permanent one.
The striker has not featured for United since February 28, when he was substituted during the 2-0 win over Sunderland. Since then he has been an unused substitute in the 1-0 win over Newcastle and the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.
In order to get his confident back and maintain his fitness level, Falcao was in the squad to face Tottenham Hotspur in the U-21 clash. The striker made his first appearance at U-21 level in a side that also featured former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, right-back Rafael and striker James Wilson. However, Falcao’s misery continued as the striker was subbed in the 72 minute after failing to score.
It is yet to be clear whether Van Gaal will make the loan move into a permanent one. The last two matches in particular may have shown glimpses of Van Gaal’s mind, as Falcao was left as an unused substitute despite United needing a goal late in both those games.
The under-21 match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford finished 1-1. Of all the first team players started in the match, it was Rafael who made the most of the opportunity as he scored a terrific equaliser in the first half.
The little Brazilian’s performance may help him get a starting place in the weekend match, after Antonio Valencia’s horror show against Gunners. The Ecuadorian was at fault for the opener due to his positioning and made a poor back pass from which Welbeck sealed the game for Arsenal.