Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says striker Radamel Falcao will have to content himself with a place among the substitutes for tonight’s visit to Southampton.
The Dutchman insists his striker is only able to play "20 minutes" at the required tempo as he continues his recovery towards full fitness.
Van Gaal said: “I have selected him in spite of the fact that he can only play 20 minutes at that level because the rhythm of the game in the Premier League is the highest, and that I have already explained, of the world I think.”
Van Gaal, meanwhile, has played down reports of long-running tensions between himself and Saints counterpart Ronald Koeman.
Indeed the Dutch duo have both been quick to dismiss that an old rift will be an issue at St Mary’s tonight.
Van Gaal said: “I think you have read more of the Dutch newspapers than I.” Koeman added: “I think it’s no issue ... the game is Southampton-Man United.”
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