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Falcao was hailed as a remarkable but ill-advised signing when Manchester United announced the Colombian’s arrival. However, despite fans’ excitement and expectancy, the striker has been poor in his debut season in the Premier League scoring just four goals.
He has even been sent to play with the under 21s during the course of the season, something of a surprise for a player regarded as one of the world’s top forwards.
There is reportedly a clause in the loan deal allowing United to retain the Colombian’s services and buy him from Monaco at the end of the season, but why would they?
Falcao has been the let down of the season and had he hit the same dizzying heights that Diego Costa managed, United may have proved stronger title challengers.
A case in point of Falcao’s fall from grace came against Chelsea recently. The forward was poor throughout, played his part in Chelsea’s winner and struggled to get into the game in general.
Compare this to when he faced Chelsea for Atletico only three years ago when he ran rings around the Blues, netting a hat-trick within 45 minutes. The Colombian announced himself to English football fans as one of the world’s top strikers, yet he has not been able to achieve the same form at any point this year.
There is, of course, a chance of him hitting form should United splash the cash to keep him at Old Trafford.
This would be a pricey risk, rumours suggest that Monaco would want more than £50 million to part with Falcao. Add to this the exorbitant wages he demands, should he not hit top form it could be a risk costing the club somewhere within the region of £100 million.
Given Falcao’s age this would likely to be his final big move, so there won’t be an easy exit strategy in place for the Reds who will struggle to recoup the money spent on him.
Van Gaal would be better advised to take a chance on two or three less known players for the equivalent price tag of one Falcao.
This is all without mentioning the obvious fact that United need to strengthen in defence and midfield before they look anywhere else.
With Javier Hernandez coming back next season they will have a good bench option up front. It is time to get shot of Falcao and spend the leftover cash on David De Gea, or at worst a decent replacement for the Spaniard.
