Radamel Falcao was left in the dark by Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal over his axing yesterday. Falcao was completely dropped for defeat to Southampton on Sunday.

The Daily Mail says the former FC Porto and Atletico Madrid striker, who earns £280,000-a-week at Old Trafford, had started the previous five games and scored twice.

But he was left out of the 18-man squad altogether with Van Gaal choosing to name teenage striker James Wilson and no fewer than three centre-backs on the bench. United ended the game with Marouane Fellaini up front alongside Wayne Rooney.

It is understood that the United boss had not explained the reasons for his decision to Falcao, and the player then watched the 1-0 defeat from a private box.