Radamel Falcao remains hopeful he will be given the chance to stay at Manchester United, but admits his future is uncertain.
It was considered one of the biggest coups of recent years when the Reds landed the Colombia international – one of the best strikers in world football – in the summer, when they took him from Monaco on a season-long loan deal. Included in this was the option to take him permanently in 12 months time, but there is huge uncertainty as to whether this will happen.
Falcao, who missed a large portion of last season and the World Cup Finals with a knee injury, has spent a significant amount of time on the treatment table whilst in Manchester, making just three Premier League starts with another five appearances from the bench. His situation isn’t helped by the fact Louis van Gaal has Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and young James Wilson as other options.
The former Atletico Madrid ace insists he is now fully fit, and is ready to make a contribution when called upon. And despite his stop-start to life in England, he remains determined to prove his quality for United, and he is hopeful that by doing so, he will give van Gaal no alternative but to take up the option to make his proposed transfer from Monaco permanent during the summer.
“From my point of view, yes, but I have to analyse the situation, see if I play more and see what decision the board takes,” he said when asked if he wants to stay at United. “But from my point of view, I really want to stay. I am not playing many minutes but I am sure that there will more opportunities to play. It’s all good here. I am very happy in this city, in this club and I am enjoying it here
“Every footballer wants to play, no one is happy when they are not playing, but whenever I am given the opportunity I have to give my best. I have had an injury, and I have had to wait for the opportunity to play. I’m almost at 100% now, let’s see wait and see what the decision of the coach is, when he wants to use me more. I feel ready for the moment that the team needs me.”
There is obviously a huge risk for United to take up the option on Falcao considering his fitness, and the fact that he will turn 30 during the course of next season. And, of course, he wouldn’t be cheap. Some reports claim Monaco want as much as £40million for his signature, whilst his weekly wage is in the region of £300,000, which is comparable to Wayne Rooney’s salary.
Should United take up the option on Falcao, or is it just too much of a risk? Let us know your thoughts by joining the discussion below.
