10 Reasons for Manchester United Fans to Love Radamel Falcao Deal
There were few Manchester United fans who thought their club would be signing Radamel Falcao on deadline day.
Most supporters still think Louis van Gaal needs a new central midfielder and another defender. But it's impossible not to get excited about the arrival of the Colombian striker.
The visit of Queens Park Rangers to Old Trafford is one of United's most eagerly-anticipated games for a while. And it's all to do with the six new arrivals this summer, a list that's headed by Falcao.
Here's a list of 10 reasons for United fans to love the deal to sign the Monaco man.
Feel free to use the comments section below to add your own.
It's Radamel Falcao
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Not every United fan thought Van Gaal needed a new striker. Especially with gaping holes in the midfield and defence.
But it's Falcao. And it's impossible not to be at least mildly impressed that he'll be playing his football at Old Trafford for at least this season.
He was one of the most sought-after strikers in the world when he left Atletico Madrid 12 months ago. Now he's at United.
His Goalscoring Record
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Falcao's goalscoring record is phenomenal. He's scored 200 goals in 305 games since moving to River Plate in Argentina in 2001.
His record in Europe is impressive, scoring 72 goals in 87 games in Portugal for Porto and 70 goals in 91 games in Spain for Atletico Madrid.
If he can find that kind of form at United, he will be an incredible success in the Premier League.
It's Something to Get Excited About
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Sir Alex Ferguson used to say repeatedly that there was no value in the transfer market. It often meant that when the world's top players became available, they wouldn't end up at United.
But Falcao and Angel Di Maria are two signings for fans to get excited about.
They are two of the best players in the world and have agreed to move to Old Trafford, despite a lack of Champions League football for at least this season.
Competition for Places
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It's not since Cristiano Ronaldo left in 2009 that United have had a squad the envy of Europe. But they do now.
With Falcao, Di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata in the team, Van Gaal has put together one of the best forward lines in the world.
It is not yet clear how Van Gaal will fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. But in terms of star names, United have plenty.
It's Low Risk
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United haven't yet splashed out on Falcao. He's joined on loan for the rest of the season with an option to buy next summer.
For a player of Falcao's quality, it's very low risk. There's a chance the deal might not work out. There's always a chance any signing won't be a success.
The worst-case scenario is that Falcao returns to Monaco at the end of the season and United save themselves a large transfer fee.
He's Already Said All the Right Things
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Falcao was very impressive in his first press conference as a United player. Even with a translator by his side, he opted to answer most questions in English.
He also said all the right things, telling the Manchester Evening News he planned to stay at Old Trafford for the long haul and had "dreamed" of playing for a club like United.
"I hope to stay many years at Manchester United and make history in this club.
When I was in Porto and Atletico Madrid I always wanted to improve and I dreamed about playing in a team like this. Now I want to stay here for many years.
"
United Won the Race for His Signature
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Falcao was linked with a move away from Moncao all summer and some of the biggest clubs in Europe were mentioned as possible destinations.
But after all the rumour and speculation, he ended up at United.
It has been a while since they won the race to sign one of the best players in the world and that is something to savour.
It's Re-Established United as a Major Player in the Transfer Market
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In recent years, United fans have been forced to watch as the big transfer deals were done, almost exclusively, by Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
But not this summer.
Falcao and Di Maria were two of the biggest transfers of the summer. And both players signed for United. It's been a while since supporters could say that.
He Should Have Reached His Peak Years
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Falcao has scored goals throughout his career. It's one of the reasons why Van Gaal wanted to sign him.
But at 28 years old, he should have reached his peak. He's picked up valuable experience in Portugal and Spain, as well as with Colombia.
Provided he can make a full recovery from the knee injury he suffered last season, he should have reached a stage in his career when he's at his best.
And If You're Still Not Convinced, Watch This
10 of 10Despite slight worries over his form and fitness, United fans should be excited by Falcao's arrival.
The video above, of his performance against Chelsea in the 2012 Super Cup, is evidence of exactly why.
If he can recreate that form at Old Trafford, he'll be a firm favourite of both the manager who signed him and the United fans.
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