5 Things Radamel Falcao Will Have Learned from His Manchester United Debut

Radamel Falcao looked like he enjoyed his Manchester United debut. There was no goal from him to cap off a fine performance from the Red Devils, but the new signing was left with much to celebrate.

Brought on to a rapturous reception, the Colombian looked quite sharp and had one excellent opportunity, which was well saved by Rob Green in the Queens Park Rangers goal.

Here are five things Falcao may have learned from his first Old Trafford involvement.

All statistics per WhoScored.com.

Fans Are Really Excited About His Arrival

The buzz on social media started almost as soon as Falcao had signed. A video began doing the rounds of Atletico Madrid fans singing a simple but enormously catchy chant for the Colombian striker.

Circulated among fan sites, on forums and everywhere United fans gather online, the chant has been eagerly adopted and was sung in the pubs around Old Trafford before the game. The above video shows fans enjoying a rendition of it at half-time.

Fans' excitement for Falcao's arrival was evident as the chant took hold throughout the game. When he began warming up on the touchline in the second half, a cheer rang round the ground. More than one fan told me they had missed Juan Mata's goal because their eyes were on Falcao on the sideline.

When he did come on, he received a vociferous welcome, as his song was sung and his first touches were loudly cheered.

He can be left in no doubt that fans are excited about him being here.

Angel Di Maria Will Help Make Him a Lot of Chances

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It was also the home debut of another star signing, and Falcao will have learned that Angel Di Maria is likely to provide him with a lot of chances.

Di Maria looked electric against QPR. He scored United's first goal, his direct running was instrumental in the next two, and he provided Mata with a beautiful assist for the fourth.

Falcao had a wonderful view of that assist from where he was warming up on the touchline and presumably would have been excited to be on the receiving end of that kind of pass.

He Has Joined a Team with Enormous Potential

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It is important to note that the opposition were not particularly impressive. However, with that caveat out of the way, United's performance on Sunday was extremely heartening.

The midfield pairing of Ander Herrera and Daley Blind were superb. Blind's assured use of the ball meant he achieved a remarkable 96 percent pass completion of the 112 passes he attempted. Herrera made eight tackles—five more than the next highest among United's ranks.

Although the defence looked vulnerable on occasions, there was some fine defensive play on show, particularly at full-back. Rafael's return looked to strengthen United's back line. Marcos Rojo had a very impressive debut, making two tackles and three interceptions as well as providing a key pass.

Di Maria added extraordinary dynamism, Wayne Rooney looked sharper than he has in recent weeks, Mata got on the scoresheet, and Adnan Januzaj provided an exciting cameo.

All in all, Falcao will have seen a lot of potential in his new team. 

The Old Trafford Crowd Treats Its Favourites Well, Even When They Have Gone

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Rio Ferdinand returned with his new club, having not had the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to United fans at the end of last season.

His welcome should show Falcao that the Old Trafford faithful are happy to honour those who have fought for the cause.

It is highly unlikely Falcao will be able to offer the length of service that Ferdinand has, but Ferdinand's reaction from the crowd on Sunday shows Falcao that if he endears himself, he will not soon be forgotten.

Robin van Persie Might Be the Man to Make Way for Him in the Starting XI

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For Falcao to cement his place in the starting XI, someone will have to make way. On current form, it seems likely that Robin van Persie could be the man to be sacrificed.

Van Persie did not have a poor game against QPR, but neither did he manage to impose himself on proceedings. Cutting in from the right-hand side a lot of the time, Van Persie's movement looked a little sluggish.

In spite of playing at the fulcrum of a very functional United performance, Van Persie did not get many clear-cut chances and was not able to convert any of his half-chances.

He looks to be the forward most vulnerable to being replaced at the moment.