Louis van Gaal: Why I've dropped Radamel Falcao for Manchester United's Newcastle clash

LOUIS VAN GAAL has revealed why Marouane Fellaini has been given the nod ahead of Radamel Falcao for Manchester United's clash against Newcastle.

falcaoGETTY

Falcao is not in starting XI against Newcastle for Man Utd

The Red Devils travel to St James' Park looking to consolidate a place in the top four, with Arsenal just a point ahead in third.

The likes of Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera are all in Van Gaal's starting XI, but there is no place for loanee Falcao.

The Colombian has yet to prove himself worthy of a permanent transfer at the end of the season, and will have to settle yet again for a place on the bench as Fellaini takes his place in attack.

Newcastle v Manchester Utd - Premier League Preview

We expect Newcastle to press us, so maybe with Fellaini we will beat the pressure more easily

Louis van Gaal

And speaking ahead of the Premier League match, Van Gaal explained that the Belgian's inclusion will help the Red Devils to soak up any Newcastle pressure.

He said: "We want to beat the pressure with him [Fellaini]. 

"We expect Newcastle to press us, so maybe with Fellaini we will beat the pressure more easily."

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