Louis van Gaal has confirmed that star striker Radamel Falcao was not left out of the squad to play Southampton because of injury, but rather to rest him.
Angel Di Maria made his first start since November and Daley Blind, who has been out for two months with a knee injury, returned to the starting XI but there was no room for the Colombian loanee in United's matchday squad with James Wilson preferred on the bench.
"Falcao isn't injured, just not selected in the squad," Van Gaal told reporters before the game. "It's much more difficult [selecting a side], but that's the task of the manager and I have a staff who advise me as well."
Van Gaal saying Falcao isn't injured, just not selected in the squad.
- Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonMEN) January 11, 2015
Seems strange that Van Gaal couldn't find a place for Falcao on the bench when there's room for Evans, Blackett and McNair.
- Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonMEN) January 11, 2015
United had struggled with injuries, but Van Gaal confirmed on Friday that his side only had one player on the sidelines: Ashley Young.
United XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, Blind, Carrick, Rooney, Mata, Di Maria, van Persie. #mufclive pic.twitter.com/waQbkJWElQ
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 11, 2015