Louis van Gaal has warned striker Robin van Persie he will have to fight for his place as the Manchester United manager prepares to welcome Radamel Falcao back to his squad.
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Van Gaal is hoping the injury-hit Colombian can finally display the qualities that have made him one of the most feared strikers in world football – especially important for United with Van Persie struggling for form.
Falcao’s loan spell at Old Trafford has been disrupted by injuries but Van Gaal is hopeful he will be in the squad for the visit of Hull today.
Asked if Falcao’s return would increase the pressure on Van Persie, who was substituted against his former club Arsenal last weekend having had just 13 touches of the ball, Van Gaal said: “Every player in my selection has to fight for his position and I shall always take the best of the players and it must also be suitable for the mix of players. So it is also an obligation of a player that he does that.”
Asked if he felt confident that Falcao can start to live up to his potential, the United boss added: “I hope so because we have him on loan because of that.”
It is not just Falcao poised to provide a huge boost for United, but Argentina defender Marcos Rojo is also in contention after being out with a shoulder injury.
Van Gaal said: “We have to wait and see until the last training session of course. It’s always difficult to say but we have good news, yes. You have to read between the lines.
“I have to train the last session and I live day by day at this moment.
“So maybe Falcao can come back in the 18 [matchday squad], maybe Rojo can come back in the 18. That’s it I think.”
Van Gaal said he was happy that United were in the top four despite their injury problems and having played some heavyweight opposition in recent games.
“When you see how our preparation was, how many injuries, then it was a very big test and after the heavy opponents we are still fourth so I’m happy,” said Van Gaal.
“But we have to be at least fourth at the end of the league and not now.
"Now is not so important. We have to improve our playing style and beat our opponents more easily.”
Van Gaal was also careful to provide an exact statement on England full-back Luke Shaw, who suffered an ankle injury against the Gunners.
A week ago the United manager’s comments on Daley Blind’s knee problem were misinterpreted and led to the club’s 3.5million Twitter followers being erroneously advised the Dutch player was out for six months.
Van Gaal said: “Last time I have said something and it was not interpreted so good so I have asked my medical advisor and maybe the Manchester United Twitter account can pay attention to it!”