Future of South American has been under question in recent weeks.
Louis van Gaal insists on-loan AS Monaco striker Radamel Falcao must prove his worth to Manchester United and that he will not be signed on reputation alone.
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Falcao joined United on a season long loan from the Ligue 1 side on transfer deadline day in the summer, in a reportedly mega deal, which will end up costing United a £6m loan fee as well as paying the Colombian’s mammoth £190,000 a week wages over his time at Old Trafford.
However, he was left out of the squad entirely against Southampton and has seen his stock fall during his time with the Red Devils, having only scored three Premier League goals in total since his move in September.
Van Gaal appeared to confirm the existence of a reported £50m deal, in principle, to sign Falcao permanently in the summer if United wish but has said he must first prove himself worthy of such an outlay.
“He has to prove himself,” van Gaal was quoted by Daily Mirror.
“We have made a deal and everything is clear. It’s not the end of the year so he has a chance to do that.
“If a player cost £95m or £5,000 it is not any different for me. But it’s difficult for you to understand, I believe.
“You have to prove yourself and a player of £95m has to prove himself also. If I am not like that, then maybe the player has no motivation, so I have to be like that.”
The United boss also refused to be drawn on how the Colombian reacted to being left out against the Saints at the weekend.
“That is not for you or the media,” said the United boss. “It is between the player and the manager. I’m sorry,” he continued.
“For a manager it is the quality of the training sessions, the quality of the performances in matches, then he [the manager] has to compare with other players.”