Having had two serious knee injuries in his career some fans are concerned that Radamel Falcao might not be able to get on the pitch enough to make a real impact for Manchester United.
The first few weeks will be crucial in determining whether he has returned to full fitness. But this guy looks like a natural athlete and someone who has had the best possible treatment for his problems.
We would suggest that a much bigger issue for Manchester United will be holding onto Falcao after this season.
We think he will be a revelation for Manchester United this season and a massive success at the club. He will offer explosiveness and new ideas up top – aswell as that almost supernatural finishing ability.
Manchester United do, of course, have the option to buy the player at the end of his one-year loan. And the player implied, in his public unveiling on Thursday that he wants to stay longer:
“I hope to stay many years at Manchester United and make history at this club. When I was at Porto and Atletico I always wanted to improve and I dreamed of playing in a team like this. Now I want to stay here for many years.”
But many believe that Real Madrid was his preferred destination this summer and if the Manchester United star has a great season then surely the Spanish giants will be sniffing around come May 2015.
Their main number 9, Karim Benzema, has generated polemic opinions during his time at Real Madrid and Falcao would be the preferred choice of many an interested onlooker. Few from the white half of Madrid would have complained if Radamel had signed for Los Blancos to take Benzema’s place.
The Colombian has so many qualities but perhaps his greatest is that he is so two footed. Defenders can usually shepherd top strikers onto their weaker foot to minimise the threat to their goal.
But Falcao doesn’t care which way you send him. He could score a goal with a blisteringly powerful shot from 20 yards off either foot. He’s a truly wonderful player who would grace any team on the planet.
Manchester United look to be in the box seat to sign the player permanently. But if Real Madrid make their desire for the player clear next summer this could be Manchester United’s biggest problem.
If it does come to that United fans will hope that Falcao’s much-publicised religious faith will steer him towards showing fidelity to the club which offered him a way out of Monaco and made him the best paid player at Manchester United.
