Radamel Falcao is one of the most expensive football players in the world, but Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal said that the superstar striker needs to prove his worth in order to be a part of the team's regular rotation.
Falcao, who was acquired by Manchester United via a one-season loan deal with Monaco worth six million pounds, was expected to help the club regain their lost glory in the Barclays Premier League, but the Colombia international has yet to live up to expectations.
The 28-year-old striker has only scored three goals and has started in just eight games for the Red Devils this season. He was recently removed from their 18-man lineup last week, and Van Gaal said that Falcao needs to prove his worth if he wants to crack the rotation again.
"He has to prove himself - that we have agreed," Van Gaal told reporters. "We have made this deal and everything is clear and it is not the end of the year so he has the chance for that."
Van Gaal reiterated that he will not give special treatment to players considered as superstars, saying that the lineup for a certain match will be decided based on a player's performance in training sessions.
"If a player costs 95 million or five thousand pounds, it's not any difference for me," Van Gaal said. "It's difficult for you to understand as it is always the second or third question. You have to prove yourself. A player of 95 million has to prove himself also."
Van Gaal's comment could also hurt Falcao's chances of securing a permanent deal with Manchester United. If Manchester United want to acquire Falcao on a permanent basis, the Red Devils will have to pay 44 million pounds, which is a huge amount for a player who has been limited by injuries this season.
But if he will have it his way, Falcao said that he wants to stay at Old Trafford for good, insisting that he is enjoying his stint with the Red Devils.
"Obviously I have to analyze the situation, see if I play more and see what decision the board takes. But from my point of view, I really want to stay," Falcao told ESPN FC. "I am very happy in this city, in this club and I am enjoying it here."
