Louis van Gaal Admits Radamel Falcao Could Spend Time On The Bench

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal admits Radamel Falcao could spend time on the bench even when he returns to full fitness.

Van Gaal has changed the United formation from 3-4-1-2 to 4-4-2 to the present 4-1-4-1 as he bids to get the right balance in his team.

This means the Colombian, who is currently out injured with a calf problem after notching just once since his switch to Old Trafford on a season-long loan from Monaco, might not start when fit.

The United boss told the Daily Mirror: “I have to decide which striker (to use). It's not his fault.

"It's not his fault with the other system I could play with two strikers, but then the balance wasn't good.

"We had difficulties in the last half-an-hour of games. That's why I have remodelled the structure.

"Since then we have less goals in our favour but also less goal conceded.

"We have also played against the better teams in the Premier League in that time on an equal level, more or less.

"I cannot say when Falcao will be back. It depends on the progress on his injury. It's his calf."

Robin van Persie currently occupies the striker role in the side and van Gaal admits he expects a lot from his Dutch compatriot, while acknowledging it is also a team game.

Van Gaal added: “I shall expect a lot of him.

"But a striker is also dependable also on his team-mates more than any other position.

“For me, a striker is more than only a man who has to make goals.

"He has to be an attacking point, so we can play in the third and fourth phase of our attack.

"That is not only to make goals. He can also make assists or create the pass before the assist. That's how I judge players and especially strikers.”