Manchester United

Manchester United's Louis van Gaal tells Robin van Persie to fight for his place

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 28 November 2014

Louis van Gaal tells Robin van Persie that he needs to fight for his place at Manchester United, with Radamel Falcao waiting in the wings.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned Robin van Persie that he is not immune from being dropped.

The former Arsenal star has struggled to find form this season, and could have his position taken away by loan striker Radamel Falcao in the coming weeks.

The Colombian, who is on loan at Old Trafford for the season from Monaco, has been missing with injury, but Van Gaal confirmed today that he could return to the squad against Hull City tomorrow.

When asked in this afternoon's press conference if Falcao's return will put pressure on Van Persie, Van Gaal said: "Every player in my selection has to fight for his position and I shall always take the best of the players, and it must also be suitable for the mix of players. So, it is also an obligation of a player that he does that."

Van Persie was substituted against former club Arsenal during United's 2-1 victory at the Emirates last weekend after having just 13 touches on the ball.