Why Radamel Falcao Must Be Manchester United's No. 1 Striker This Season

Radamel Falcao's arrival at Manchester United began a wave of excitement, a wave which reached its breaking point once he opened his account against Everton on Sunday. 

His joy and relief were evident from his exuberant celebration. The goal was timely, as he had been snatching at chances, looking as eager to pounce as the tiger from whom he gets his nickname.

Louis van Gaal had told Falcao he was happy with his efforts, saying to him, per an interview with BBC Sport:

"

I am very satisfied about your performance and the goals are coming. The goals are coming!

"

However, that clearly was not good enough for El Tigre. The fact that he appeared so hungry for a goal after so few appearances for United shows part of the reason why he must be the club’s No. 1 striker this season. It is the hunger of a born goalscorer. 

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Of course, he has plenty of competition for the role. Robin van Persie has scored 50 goals in his 82 appearances for the club, a highly impressive record. Wayne Rooney is on the verge of being the club’s all-time top scorer.

All three have a vital part to play in United's season, and, indeed, at least two of the three are likely to be selected when all of them are fit. However, in choosing a No. 1, a theoretical first name on United's team-sheet when it comes to strikers, it is the new man who leads the way.

Falcao is the youngest of the three. He has the edge over Van Persie in terms of the question marks that remain over the Dutchman's form and fitness. Van Persie has not hit the spectacular levels of consistency he managed during his first season at the club since that debut campaign.

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Whilst some of that may be down to the effect that the change in manager from Sir Alex Ferguson to David Moyes had on him, his fitness has played a part, as he faced a substantial lay-off last season. He also began this campaign with an extended break, necessary due to his exertions during Van Gaal's Netherlands' run to third place in the World Cup.

It remains my opinion that Rooney's best position is as an out-and-out centre forward, but Van Gaal's selection when all his forward players were available to him did not suggest that he agreed. He played Rooney behind the two strikers, and if all three are to play together, this will surely be Rooney's role.

I have written about Falcao's goalscoring record previously. It is one that neither of his colleagues, though both excellent strikers in their own rights, can quite match. The Colombian has simply guaranteed goals throughout his career.

All three provide more than just goals, of course. Rooney has many assists to his name, and Van Persie's hold-up play is superb. Falcao's is too. He uses a very different style to achieve the same effect.

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Van Persie combines his skill with enormous strength. Falcao's lower centre of gravity allows him to wriggle through oncoming defenders, bringing the ball with him.

Falcao suffered a serious injury last season, forcing him to miss the World Cup. Assuming he does not experience any relapse, or loss of performance from the injury (and none is visible so far), then it is hardly a stretch to suggest that Falcao is amongst the best No. 9s in the game.

Rooney and Van Persie are too, but Falcao just has the edge in that key currency of strikers, the provision of goals. Van Gaal's quote is ominous for United's rivals. The goals really are coming.

That will be the case for all three men, but assuming a fair wind in terms of injuries, it does not seem excessively bold to predict that Falcao will net the biggest haul and thus claim the right to be considered United's number one striker.