Radamel Falcao Comments on Manchester United, Fitness and Playing Time

On-loan striker Radamel Falcao told reporters he is keen to make his stay with Manchester United permanent but admitted he's unsure the feeling is mutual, given the difficult start he has had to life in the Premier League.  

Speaking to The Guardian's Jamie Jackson, he said it will be up to the coaches and the board whether or not he moves back to Monaco at the end of the season:

"From my point of view, yes, but obviously I have to analyse the situation, see if I play more and see what decision the board takes. But from my point of view, I really want to stay."

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The Colombia international joined the club during the summer on a one-year loan deal worth £16 million, and the Red Devils have the option to make the transfer permanent. Injuries and poor form have limited Falcao's impact so far, however, as he has only started three Premier League matches, via WhoScored.com.

The lack of playing time weighs heavily on his shoulders, but he hopes the proper work ethic will lead to more chances:

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Every footballer wants to play, no one is happy when they are not playing, when they are on the bench, but whenever I am given the opportunity, whether it be for five, 10, 20 or 90 minutes, I have to give my best.

(on Louis van Gaal) We talk a lot, the coach and I. He has a philosophy that I respect. I have had an injury, and I have had to wait for the opportunity to play.

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His fitness level is starting to come along after recovering from a calf injury, and he believes he's ready to start matches on the pitch once again:

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I am very well. I’m almost at 100% now, let’s see wait and see what the decision of the coach is, when he wants to use me more. I feel ready for the moment that the team needs me. Whenever I have the opportunity to come on I try to do my best for the coach and I try to help the team.

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Falcao's message seems clear: he wants to prove himself at Manchester United and earn a permanent transfer in the process, but he won't be able to do that unless he starts seeing consistent playing time.

The Red Devils have won six consecutive matches but have shown a willingness to change up the starting XI even during the winning streak, so if Falcao follows through on his promise to keep working hard, he should be getting his chances really soon.

Van Gaal started 19-year-old supertalent James Wilson against Liverpool during the weekend, however, and with the promising youngster starting to settle into the squad, the Colombian will have his work cut out for him.  

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