Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Radamel Falcao and Lionel Messi Rumours

Radamel Falcao's future at Manchester United has reportedly been "plunged into doubt" by Louis van Gaal's decision to leave him out of the matchday squad during Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Southampton.

James Robson of the Manchester Evening News suggests Van Gaal is "set for talks with him on Monday when he will explain his decision to omit the striker from his squad." The manager recently confirmed Falcao was left out of the team for tactical reasons, reported by Robson:

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Falcao isn’t injured, just not selected in the squad. It’s much more difficult (picking a team), but that’s the task of the manager and I have a staff who advise me as well. We now have a lot of players who are coming back. I have to compare players with each other. Now he was out of the 18, but that is that this moment. Next week is another moment.

"

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United's official Twitter account provided further comment from Van Gaal:

The boss opted to include three centre-backs on his bench against the Saints, with Tyler Blackett, Jonny Evans and Paddy McNair preferred to an additional scoring threat. Somewhat ironically, Falcao's finishing quality and ability to make the ball stick was conspicuous in its absence from United's attacking rhythm.

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Robin van Persie once again played with his back to goal and failed to link with Angel Di Maria, who started just behind the Dutch striker. Prior to his substitution, Di Maria posted arguably his poorest performance since heading to Old Trafford in the summer, as noted by Squawka:

Falcao's lack of appearance is sure to have frustrated many onlookers. Former Newcastle striker Tino Asprilla was among those to wish for the Colombian's introduction:

Doubts still remain over whether Falcao's loan move from Monaco will be turned into a permanent deal. Consistent injury niggles have limited the 28-year-old to just 12 Premier League appearances this season, in which he has scored and assisted three, per WhoScored.com.

United are obviously after a big-name forward, as highlighted by optimistic rumours linking the club to Lionel Messi, per Stuart Fraser of the Daily Mail. Luckily, Messi's decision to speak with BarcaTV—after he netted during the side's 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid—pretty much put the rumours to bed (h/t Pete Jenson of the Mail):

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I have not laid down any conditions for me to stay at this club and neither do I have any intention of leaving. I have heard stories about my father already having spoken to Chelsea and Manchester City but it is not true.

"

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Van Gaal may be looking to bring January signings in with added haste after the defeat to Southampton. Former United right-back Gary Neville believes he should look at the Saints' Morgan Schneiderlin—a behemoth during Sunday's match—if he wishes to strengthen midfield.

"He could play at any of the top clubs in the league. I'm talking Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham," Neville noted on Sky Sports, per Arash Hekmat of the Daily Mirror.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell and Ryan Bailey recently analysed the players who could improve United's form with a winter move:

The loss to Southampton once again highlighted Van Gaal's squad as lightweight and unable to battle through difficult moments. We saw this earlier in the season against Swansea and Leicester. Pressure to remain in the top four is mounting ahead of the side's trip to Queens Park Rangers, with Arsenal now just one point behind the final Champions League place.

Falcao is likely to be called on at Loftus Road, a match United can't afford to lose.