• Football

Radamel Falcao plays for United's Under-21s

ESPN staff
March 10, 2015
Van Gaal backs Falcao to improve

Radamel Falcao was selected in Manchester United's Under-21 side for their game against Tottenham on Tuesday, failing to score in the 72 minutes he played of the 1-1 draw.

The striker made his first appearance at U21 level in a side that also featured former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, right-back Rafael and striker James Wilson.

The striker has not featured for United since February 28, when he was substituted during the 2-0 win over Sunderland shortly after being fouled for the penalty that led to the opening goal.

The Colombia international, who is on a season-long loan from Monaco, was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win over Newcastle and the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.

Doubts have been raised as to whether United will take Falcao on a permanent deal at the end of the season, with the former Atletico Madrid striker having scored only four goals - all in the Premier League - since joining in the summer.

However, United manager Louis van Gaal dismissed suggestions that he had made a mistake in signing Falcao and allowing Danny Welbeck to leave after the England international scored the match-winning goal for Arsenal on Monday.

"He [Falcao] has scored four goals, had three or four assists and he stimulates the other players, so that is an aspect of the profession," he told the media after the game. "But it is now easy for you to say that and you are happy to say that."

Radamel Falcao was an unused substitute for the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal © Getty Images
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