Manchester United Gamble On £346k-A-Week Star, Too Risky?

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has recently thanked the club for showing faith in him and taking a gamble on his fitness. Falcao who is presently on a season long loan at Old Trafford from Monaco is hoping to get United to sign him permanently next summer. The striker missed the FIFA world cup with Colombia with an injured cruciate knee ligament but will like to stay in Old Trafford for many years to come. Despite returning from injury with 2 goals in 3 matches in Ligue 1, Falcao insisited Manchester United took a gamble on him on the transfer deadline day and hopes he can return the faith shown in him by the team.

The striker’s first goal came against Everton at the weekend and it proved important as it took Manchester United to fourth position on the Premier League table. The striker admitted that the injury had a negative effect on him and his career but he is deeply indebted to Manchester United for having so much faith in him when it was difficult to. Falcao however confirmed he will still need more time to get to his best but chipped it in that he is feeling very comfortable in Manchester United. Falcao’s transfer saw the departure of Danny Welbeck to Arsenal and Javier Hernandez to Real Madrid. The two strikers that left United have scored six goals in their respective clubs with Welbeck scoring four and a brace against Deportivo for Hernandez. Falcao however has done well in adapting to Premier League life with a goal and two assists in four matches.

Manchester United must have taken a serious gamble on Falcao but it was a calculated risk. The club have the financial backing to have signed the 28 year old Colombian but decided to get him on loan in case of a reoccurrence of the ligament injury that forced him out for about six months. Manchester United absolutely needed something new in the attack with Robin Van Persie aging and both Welbeck and Hernandez struggling to cope with life after Sir Alex Ferguson. Falcao was one of the few available top class strikers and the Red Devils did well to acquire the services of the top No. 9. It took him quite some time to get going but it’s expected that he will hit top form soonest after opening his goal scoring account for the club on Sunday.

In a situation whereby Falcao get fully fit and not disturbed by the injury, it will be a good bargain for Manchester United and the team will benefit from the wealth of experience upfront. However, a re-occurrence of the injury this season will only lead to termination of the contract and the club have nothing to lose. From the financial aspect, Manchester United have done well and performance wise, Falcao will bring more to the table than Welbeck and Hernandez ever did. Manchester United and the player will both be hoping for a good full recovery and top class performance.