Van Gaal hails Falcao's 'professional attitude' after appearance with U-21 team

Radamel Falcao has become the butt of most jokes at Manchester United this season, and the past week was no exception.

The Colombian striker was an unused substitute in United's FA Cup loss to Arsenal on Monday and, as a result, was given 72 minutes of action with the under-21 squad the following day.

While his involvement in that contest has been a source of ridicule, manager Louis van Gaal said that Falcao demonstrated impressive professionalism by partaking in the game. 

"I have 25 players and all of the players can play the next game," the Dutchman explained. “I have to maintain the rhythm of the game with every player. I have read about the ‘big humiliation’ for Falcao, but also (Victor) Valdes was playing and Rafael as well. Michael Carrick has also played for the second team this season.

"That shows the professional attitude of the player but also the management of the club. It is not a humiliation, it is a professional attitude. In a training session, you never reach the intensity of 90 minutes. Of course, the second team level is lower but that is also good that a player from the first team is playing much more minutes at a lower level, because then he can build up his confidence."

Falcao, more than most, needs it.

The 29-year-old has found the net four times in 1,006 Premier League minutes this season, adding four assists in that time.