Radamel Falcao no longer a United player

25 May 2015 12:06

Manchester United have decided not to keep Radamel Falcao following the end of his season-long loan from Monaco after the injury prone striker failed to impress.

He scored only 4 goals in 29 games for the Red Devils and missed Sunday's 0-0 draw with Hull due to injury. Despite negotiating an option to buy the Colombian forward for a pre-agreed £43.2m at the end of his season-long loan from Monaco, United manager Louis van Gaal has decided against a permanent deal.

The Old Trafford club has a number of attacking options including Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria and Juan Mata available and it seems Falcao was surplus to requirements at such an exorbitant cost.

United fans did not see the best of the striker who destroyed the Champions League winning Chelsea side in the European Super Cup in August 2012. Falcao, with sublime finishing, scored a hat-trick to inspire Atletico Madrid to victory in Monaco, becoming the first player in history to score a hat trick in the contest since its reform in 1998.

In his first three seasons in European football, Falcao scored over 100 goals. For Atletico he scored 24 La Liga goals and 12 in Europe in 2011-12 season. He was also fundamental as Atletico won the 2013 Coppa Del Rey beating City rivals Real Madrid in the final and he also scored 2 goals as Atletico beat Athletic Bilboa 3-0 in 2012 UEFA Europa League final in Bucharest.

His great form and scoring record earned him £51m move to As Monaco in 2013 with annual salary reported to be around €18.2 million. In September 2014, Manchester United agreed to sign Falcao on loan for £6 million.

So what next for Falcao? Some reports suggest has been offered to Premier League champions Chelsea as Monaco prepare to send the forward out on loan again next season. I think United did not play to his advantage or make the most of his skills, but one thing is for sure, if he can find his form again he will frighten any defence in England.

Source: DSG