Jorge Mendes has warned Manchester United that if they decide against keeping Radamel Falcao, the striker could join a rival club instead.
It was considered one of the coups of the summer when the Reds signed the Colombian international from Monaco on a season-long loan deal, but he has thus far failed to live up to expectations. The 28-year-old has found his route into the first team hindered by injury and a lack of match fitness, resulting in starting just seven league games with a further five coming from the bench.
It is believed it could cost United around £40million to sign Falcao on a permanent basis, from which point they would also have to pay the complete amount of his weekly salary which is said to be in the region of £300,000. Louis van Gaal is understandably refusing to commit to such a deal at the moment, and this has promoted the player’s agent to send a warning to Old Trafford.
“It is very difficult for Manchester United fans. They have an absolutely brilliant player, one of the very best in the world, who would without any doubt play 90 minutes of the match, every time, with any other club,” said Mendes. “He will play in one of the very best clubs in the world next season, whether that is United or not. The truth is, right now, we don’t know what will happen.”
Falcao, who has scored three times in the Premier League, was touted to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City before he moved to United, could feature against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday. This would be a good time for the former Atletico Madrid man to prove he is worth a permanent transfer, something van Gaal has urged him to now do.
“He has to prove himself,” said van Gaal. “It is down to the quality of the training sessions and quality in his matches. I have to have a game plan. I explained it after the Southampton game. If a player cost £95million or £5,000 it does not make any difference for me. You have to prove yourself. I have to be like that even if it is difficult for the outside world to understand.”
Does Falcao have a future at Old Trafford, and would United regret letting him go? Let us know what you think by joining the discussion below.
