Radamel Falcao is a world-renown marksman. He earned that reputation as one of the world’s deadliest hitmen during his time at FC Porto where he scored 41 times in 51 appearances,an incredible rate of almost a goal per match. His goals helped the club to a clutch of trophies which included a cup double-the Europa League and the Portuguese League.
Purchased for €40m by Athletico Madrid in the Summer of 2011,Falcao continued from where he stopped in the Portuguese League as he continued to terrorize defences in the Spanish La Liga. Tons of goals later,Athletico Madrid would more than re-coup the massive amount invested in him as his goals ensured that the capital club won a raft of trophies which included the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League,the 2012 Super Cup and the Copa Del Rey where his team defeated their bitter city rivals, Real Madrid.
After a big money move to nouveau riche Monaco in the French Ligue 1 in May 2013, Falcao’s hotshot streak waned ever so slightly. Although he managed 11 goals in 20 appearances for Monaco,he suffered a serious knee injury in January 2014 during a Coupe de France game against Monts d’Or Azergues Foot and was sidelined for 6 months,effectively ruling him out from participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
On his return from injury he featured in a number of games for Monaco before being shipped out on loan to English giants, Manchester United in a deal worth £6m per year with the option of making it a permanent £44m deal with £265,000-a-week wage. According to reports, Manchester United has now agreed a £43.2m deal with Monaco that will see the player become a United player permanently but the only thing left is Louis Van Gaal Sanctioning the deal.
So far, the once lethal Colombian marksman has netted thrice in 11 appearances for the Red Devils. Despite his reputation as a proven finisher,his performances have not matched the bated anticipation that fueled his move to Old Trafford.
Dogged repeatedly by niggling injuries it has been not been possible to see El Tigre at his imperious and majestic goal scoring best. Although he has quickly endeared himself to both fans and the back-room staff due to his work ethic and amiable disposition, it is Louis Van Gaal, the man at the helm, who may decide whether to hand him a permanent deal that his past exploits should earn him or cut the chase and return the player to his parent club,Monaco.
Known to be a pragmatic manager,Van Gaal may decide to offload the player due to his annoyingly frustrating injury record or retain him with the belief that he can return to that deadly form that saw him terrorise defences all over Europe. And until the eminent Dutchman makes that decision,Falcao knows that he can not sleep.