Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that Robin van Persie was only fit enough to make the substitutes' bench in this afternoon's Premier League match against former club Arsenal.

Radamel Falcao was chosen to take the place of injured captain Wayne Rooney and Van Gaal believes that the Colombian earned his place after a good showing in last week's victory at Crystal Palace.

Speaking to Sky Sports News before the match, Van Gaal said: "Robin van Persie has been ill and Radamel Falcao has played the last 45 minutes against Crystal Palace and did well so I don't have any issue to put him in the lineup."

Van Persie has scored in both of his Premier League matches against the Gunners at Old Trafford.

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