Just hours ago, it sprang to light that Manchester United’s tactical bid for the Monaco man back in the summer has switched in nature from mere loan to permanent position among the chaps at Old Trafford. Prior concerns about lingering injuries, notably after Radamel Falcao’s persistent knee problems, obviously do not appear enough to cause further anguish or distaste within the squad; to quell such a lucrative deal would clearly be something blasphemous to Louis van Gaal. After all, if Falcao displays his talent in full blossoming practice, the former Oranje boss could be rid of any negative energy from a so far gruelling season.
The Dutchman’s career thus far at Manchester United has varied in degree of prosperity; his decisions have seemed dubious and most certainly flawed at times, but perhaps his teething period is over. Falcao might not be the club’s hottest option on the field, with only one rather dismal goal achieved in five games of successive action, but after the clubs agreed on a £44 million transfer fee to be paid when his loan deal expires next summer, his calibre and potential must mean something.
Van Gaal and his managerial subordinates have disclosed full expectations that Radamel Falcao will become a concrete member of the team soon enough. Despite a poor goal tally so far – especially when compared to the mighty scoring power of Chelsea’s Diego Costa – Falcao has obviously proved his worth. Already earning £240,000 per week, Falcao’s status deriving from his Ligue 1 prowess must be something necessary to secure at a club who have seemed somewhat flailing so far this Premier League season (despite a roaring 20 previous title wins).
An even bouncier bank account pertaining to Mr. Falcao might be contingent upon his further progress, though. Despite rather solid confirmation from the Mancunian camp that the Colombian is there to stay, niggling, repetitive injuries must still rattle van Gaal; this is surely enough to concern any manager with a reputation and future to uphold.
Despite the shoddy start, one goal is more preferable to zero, and Falcao clearly instils confidence in his boss. The very fact that Juventus were willing to embark on a toe-to-toe negotiation months ago for the Colombian hints that there’s something within Falcao that the Premier League just hasn’t been party to. Witnessing the sort of skills that emerged so readily during his campaign at Monaco would be ideal to all fans, coaches and teammates surrounding Manchester United, but this could come shortly. Van Gaal is clearly eager to persevere – there is a whopping £44 million riding on the shoulders of a successful transfer.
Whether you consider yourself an avid supporter of Manchester United or somebody who actively despises them, Falcao’s presence in the Premier League has been thoroughly anticipated. His time so far has seemed a tad dull, but van Gaal’s cunning plan must unfold soon, else why would he be willing to part with this much sterling?
I shall leave that question open to an answer or rhetorical interpretation.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @lastwordimogen. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football.
Main Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Mark Leech Sports Photography/Getty Images
