Manchester United Confirm Falcao Loan

Radamel Falcao has signed for Manchester United on a season-long loan move from Monaco with an option to buy.

News of the Colombian striker’s potential move broke early on transfer deadline day but United fans had to wait until 01:30am before the move was finally confirmed.

Manager Louis van Gaal said: “I am delighted Radamel has joined us on loan this season. He is one of the most prolific goalscorers in the game. His appearance-to-goal ratio speaks for itself and, when a player of this calibre becomes available, it is an opportunity not to be missed.”

Falcao added: “I am delighted to be joining Manchester United on loan this season. Manchester United is the biggest club in the world and is clearly determined to get back to the top. I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal and contributing to the team’s success at this very exciting period in the club’s history.”

News of the deal emerged soon after it was confirmed that United had sold striker Danny Welbeck to Arsenalfor £16m and on the day Javier Hernandez joined Real Madrid on loan.

It also means another season without Champions League football for Falcao, but that is not something that has concerned him in the past – indeed not since he was with Porto in the 2009-10 season has he played in UEFA’s top club competition.
The player had been looked at by Arsenal and City but both clubs had baulked had the size of the loan fee and his wages.
The 28-year-old scored 11 goals in 20 appearances for Monaco after joining from Atletico Madrid for a fee of around €50 million last year.
Falcao, who missed the World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury, had also been linked with several top European clubs, including Real Madrid.

He will compete with regular strikers captain Wayne Rooney and Dutchman Robin van Persie for a place in a reshaped United team.

Financial details were not disclosed but British media reports suggested the deal cost United a fee of £6m before wages.

Meanwhile, United also confirmed the completion of Daley Blind £14m move from Ajax after agreeing a deal for the 24-year-old, who can play in defence or as a defensive midfielder.