December 18, 2014

Falcao looking to extend United stay

By Engerlund

Radamel Falcao has admitted he is looking to turn his loan deal at Manchester United into a permanent switch at the end of the season despite a tough start to life in the Premier League.

The Colombian striker joined United on summer deadline day from Monaco on an initial season-long loan deal, with the option for the Red Devils to make the deal permanent for £43.5 million.

While most United fans had expected that decision to be an easy one, Falcao’s difficult beginning at Old Trafford has left many hoping the club look elsewhere.

Form and fitness has plagued the 28-year-old since his arrival in Manchester and the previously prolific frontman has only managed to score one goal in his eight appearances for the club despite a lot of betfair punters backing the striker to finish as the leading scorer in the Premier League this season.

Falcao has not started a game since he scored his only United goal against Everton on October 5, with a calf problem forcing him to spend a spell on the sidelines.

In his absence, United have put themselves in a strong position to challenge for the title, with the form of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie making it hard for Falcao to step back into the side.

With reported wages of £265,000-a-week, United could be forgiven for thinking that money and the £43.5 million transfer fee could be used in much better ways than signing a striker who looks prone to injuries and nearing the age of 30.

Van Gaal may feel he could use that money to buy a new striker AND another centre-back at the end of the season, although those opinions would drastically change if Falcao could get himself fully fit and scoring in the same manner he did during his time with Atletico Madrid.