Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal defended dropping Radamel Falcao for defeat to Southampton.

Van Gaal selected Angel Di Maria up front alongside Robin Van Persie and then shifted Wayne Rooney up front after the former Arsenal striker suffered an ankle injury.

The 63-year-old surprisingly omitted Falcao from his match day squad.

"We have a lot of players who are coming back and (Falcao) has played the last five matches in a row," said Van Gaal, who said Van Persie's ankle would be assessed on Monday.