Colombians slam Van Gaal over Falcao

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has sparked a frenzied reaction by Colombians for his treatment of beloved native son Radamel Falcao, earning the Dutch coach the nickname “Van Maal” (Mr Evil).

Falcao has seen little playing time since joining United last August in a loan deal worth £16m ($24m million), AFP reports.

Van Gaal said last month the striker – who had missed the World Cup finals as he recovered from a serious knee injury suffered while playing for Monaco last season – “has to prove himself” regardless of his price tag.

The snub has outraged “The Tiger’s” Colombian fans, with fellow footballers, sports journalists and even celebrities taking to social media to slam Van Gaal.

Retired Colombian star Faustino “Tino” Asprilla accused the Red Devils manager of bias against South American players.

“Riquelme, Rivaldo and now @FALCAO. #VanMaal definitely has something against South Americans. @ManUtd need to act!!” the ex-striker wrote on Twitter, recalling Van Gaal’s treatment of Argentina’s Juan Roman Riquelme and Brazil’s Rivaldo when he managed Barcelona.

A picture of the Manchester United substitutes’ bench with the name “Falcao” Photoshopped across it has gone viral in Colombia, where some journalists have heaped derision on Van Gaal for banishing the striker from his starting line-up.

“Anyone with blood in their veins knows benching Falcao is ridiculous. An eternal legend, eternal hate for Van Gaal,” tweeted sports photographer Andres Romero Torres.

Colombian TV star Lincoln Palomeque joined the chorus of derision after Falcao scored in United’s 3-1 win over Leicester on January 31.

“The worst thing @FALCAO could do is score a goal because next match Van Gaal will leave him on the bench. How did he fall into the hands of this bitter man!” he tweeted.