GOAL

Louis van Gaal has insisted he is not trying to humiliate Radamel Falcao after the Colombia international featured for Manchester United's Under-21s in midweek against Tottenham.

The striker played 72 minutes for Manchester United's Under-21s in midweek after being an unused substitute against Arsenal, and the manager admits the loanee's form is a concern

The striker was a surprise starter on Tuesday after being an unused substitute for the FA Cup quarter-final exit against Arsenal, lasting 72 minutes before being withdrawn after another ineffectual performance.

"I have read it was a humiliation," he told reporters. "I do not think so. It is a professional attitude of the manager, the management, also the club and especially from the player.
 

  Con @marcosrojo preparando el partido de #FaCup . With @marcosrojo preparing the #FaCup match. A photo posted by Falcao (@falcao) on Mar 8, 2015 at 11:58am PDT

"It is not only Falcao. [Victor] Valdes and Rafael have also played. He has not reacted how the media say he has reacted."

Falcao has scored just four goals since arriving on a lucrative loan deal from Monaco in the summer, and Van Gaal has admitted the former Atletico Madrid man may never rediscover his best form in the Premier League.

"We are looking for the solution," says Van Gaal.

"Sometimes players can give fantastic performances in one country but not in another. It would not be the first time and it won't be the last.

"At a club like Manchester United it is more difficult. He has competitors. He knows Wayne Rooney is playing there and scoring."