Manchester United: Louis van Gaal coy on Radamel Falcao replacing injured Robin van Persie

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed Robin van Persie will miss the game against Sunderland on 28 February but refused to confirm whether Radamel Falcao will take his place in the starting line-up.

The Colombia international was an unused substitute during the 2-1 defeat against Swansea on 21 February following a poor performance in the FA Cup victory over Preston North End.

But after first-choice number nine Van Persie sustained an injury during the loss against the Wales side, Falcao was expected to have a chance to prove his worth against Gus Poyet's side.

However, when asked during the press conference ahead of the game whether the Colombia international will start, Van Gaal was coy and revealed James Wilson is also available after overcoming an injury.

"The possibility [of Falcao starting] is higher of course because when a striker is away another has to play," he said. "I never give you any openings [in terms of who he will play] so we will have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, the manager confirmed the return of Michael Carrick while speaking about the Van Persie's injury. He said: "He is injured, the only injured player that I have.

"So, we change Carrick for Van Persie. He has an ankle problem so I don't think it is heavy, but an ankle problem takes a long time. It's not one or two weeks but we will have to wait and see."

Van Gaal welcomed Carrick's return but suggested the midfielder is not yet ready to play the full 90 minutes.

He said: "It is of course always important that players are coming back from injuries but he is my second captain. He is very experienced and he can play in a very important position, but he also needs match rhythm. He trained only one time with us, with the group, so he needs to also play in the second team."