Louis van Gaal has told Radamel Falcao he has to prove himself if he wants to win his place back in the Manchester United team -- and said he wouldn't give the striker preferential treatment even if he cost 95 million pounds.
Colombia international Falcao is on a season-long loan at Old Trafford, which is costing six million pounds, with a view to a permanent deal worth a further 44 million pounds to Monaco, but he was omitted from the 18-man squad for United's 1-0 defeat to Southampton last week.
The 28-year-old is one of the most expensive players in footballing history after Monaco paid 51 million pounds for him and Atletico Madrid had bought him for 35 million pounds.
But he has only scored three goals for United and has started just eight games in an injury-hit spell at Old Trafford and Van Gaal preferred to have James Wilson, a product of the club's academy, on the bench against Southampton.
The United boss has now warned Falcao his status and reputation count for nothing if he does not impress in training and matches.
He said in a news conference: "He has to prove himself -- that we have agreed. We have made this deal and everything is clear and it is not the end of the year so he has the chance for that.
"For the manager, it is the quality of the training sessions, the quality in his performances and matches and he has to compare -- you have a game plan. I have explained after the match against Southampton and it is always the same explanation."
Van Gaal is adamant he does not treat players differently depending on their price tag, saying: "If a player costs 95 million or five thousand pounds, it's not any difference for me. It's difficult for you to understand as it is always the second or third question. You have to prove yourself.
"A player of 95 million has to prove himself also."
Van Gaal refused to say if Falcao will return to the United squad for Saturday's trip to QPR when, with Robin van Persie a doubt, he could need another fit forward.
He said: "You have to wait and see, because when I say that a part of my line-up is known and I make it easy for my opponent and I don't want to make it easy."
Earlier this week, Falcao's agent Jorge Mendes has said the Colombian may not be at Old Trafford next season and insisted he would start for every other club in the world.