Louis Van Gaal Loses Cool at Radamel Falcao Question, Criticises Angel Di Maria

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal was in a foul mood after the Red Devils' 2-1 FA Cup loss against Arsenal, targeting a reporter who raised the point that match-winner Danny Welbeck had been sold to fund the arrival of flop Radamel Falcao.

Falcao hasn't hit the ground running since moving to the Premier League, scoring just four goals, via WhoScored.com. He was an unused substitute at Old Trafford, despite United needing to chase the game after Welbeck's strike.

Nevertheless, the United boss didn't take kindly to having Falcao's poor form put under the spotlight, via The Independent's Ian Herbert:

"

He has scored four goals and three or four assists. There is his contribution and he stimulates also the other players so that is an aspect of a profession. But it is now easy for you to say that [he has scored too few.] You are very happy to say that. I see that in your face.

"

You can watch the press conference here:

As noted by Manchester Evening News' Rob Dawson, it was telling Van Gaal opted to keep the Colombia international on the bench despite United's need for a goal in the second half of Monday's match:

The fact Welbeck ended up scoring the winning goal likely only added to Van Gaal's frustration, as the England international was sold to the Gunners during the summer transfer window to make room for Falcao.

Welbeck has spent most of the season playing second fiddle to striker Olivier Giroud in north London, and Van Gaal didn't mind admitting he was shocked by Arsene Wenger's decision to start him against his former club, via the Daily Mail's Neil Ashton:

"

In football it happens, but it was also a surprise that Wenger put him in that position.

When a player returns to play his former club he will always be very motivated, but we gave the goal away.

It is very disappointing because we gave the victory to Arsenal. The players are disappointed because they know it could have been different.

"

The United boss also had no interest in leaping to the defence of star winger Angel Di Maria after the Argentina international was sent off during the second half.

The 27-year-old made contact with referee Michael Oliver after receiving a booking and was promptly dismissed at a time when the Red Devils desperately needed a goal and, per Telegraph Football, Van Gaal said his player should have known better:

Ashton provided more of his comments on the incident:

"

Di Maria knows that he doesn't have to touch the referee. That is not so smart of him. 

But controlled emotion is not so easy in a match like this, but I mentioned it before the game because I know these red cards are easily given.

I cannot give a comment about the referee and you know why. He knows that he doesn't have to touch the referee.

We have to see every decision of the referee in the circumstances because he whistles, but I want to see the video tape to see how he has decided it all.

"

Pundits were curious to see how Oliver, a relatively young referee with limited experience handling fixtures on this level, would handle Monday's vital clash between Premier League giants.

Di Maria's second yellow will undoubtedly be scrutinised for days but, according to the Daily Mail's Graham Poll, it was one of many correct decisions from Oliver, who put together a fine showing at Old Trafford:

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Angel Di Maria had to be sent off by referee Michael Oliver for grabbing the official’s shirt after being correctly cautioned for simulation.

[...] Oliver delivered a really impressive refereeing performance which belied his age (30). He was consistent, strong and impartial throughout.

"

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty agreed with his assessment:

Monday's FA Cup exit was filled with frustrations for the hosts, and following the disappointing performance, it's not a surprise to see Van Gaal react poorly to relatively routine questions from reporters.

The Dutchman has been under enormous pressure during his first season in charge of the club, and with Chelsea and Manchester City likely to battle it out for the Premier League title, the FA Cup presented the Red Devils with their last chance at silverware in 2014-15.

It's certainly far too early to question Van Gaal's position as manager of the club—particularly in light of where United were a year ago—but as someone who is used to winning wherever he goes, you have to believe Van Gaal will now consider his first season on the Red Devils' bench somewhat of a failure.  

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