Manchester United signed Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco for the entire season in a last minute move on transfer deadline day. The Colombia striker’s deal, which came out of absolutely nowhere, gives United an option to buy him at the end of season.
The 28-year-old Falcao says “Manchester United is the biggest club in the world and is clearly determined to get back to the top.”
Bringing one of the hottest properties out there to Old Trafford is truly a “watch this space” moment for United Executive Chairman Ed Woodward. United’s desperate need for reinforcements has been highlighted by the failure to win any of its opening four matches under Louis van Gaal, who was hired to fix the disaster that was David Moyes last season.
United’s latest setback was a 0-0 draw at Burnley on Saturday, following a humiliating League Cup loss to third-tier club MK Dons. No, those are not typos. Van Gaal’s third place finish with The Netherlands in the World Cup and United’s undefeated preseason this summer seem like ancient history now.
“He is one of the most prolific goalscorers in the game,” Van Gaal said of Falcao.
Good transfer window. pic.twitter.com/wfH99NMWVL
— SirAlexStand.com (@SirAlexStand) September 2, 2014
“His appearance-to-goal ratio speaks for itself and when a player of this caliber becomes available it is an opportunity not to be missed.”
United, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (MANU), has spent around $250 million on players since finishing seventh last season, with Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria joining last week for a British-record fee of 59.7 million pounds (then $99 million). Versatile Netherlands international Daley Blind completed his move from Ajax for 14 million pounds ($23 million) on Monday as Radamel Falaco’s deal was being closed.
In Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 system, Falcao could partner Robin van Persie up front, with captain Wayne Rooney dropping into midfield and assuming the No. 10 role. Those tactics could put Juan Mata’s starting place at risk after he arrived in January for 37.1 million pounds (then $61 million).
Radamel Falcao is leaving a club that attracted less than 10,000 fans at its weekend game for a club which usually sells out the 76,000-capacity Old Trafford.
Paul M. Banks owns and operates The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports, Yahoo! and the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He’s been a guest on news talk shows all across the world and been featured in hundreds of media outlets including NFL Network, Fox Sports 1 and ESPN2. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)