NFLNBAMLBNHLWNBASoccerGolf
Featured Video
Mbappé's Rollercoaster Season 🎢
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04:  Substitutes Angel di Maria of Manchester United and Radamel Falcao of Manchester United walk off the pitch at half-time in the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 4, 2015 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Substitutes Angel di Maria of Manchester United and Radamel Falcao of Manchester United walk off the pitch at half-time in the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 4, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Manchester United Transfer News: Major Stars Identified in Latest Rumours

James DudkoMay 9, 2015

Not many Manchester United fans would be likely to welcome the idea of on-loan striker Radamel Falcao staying at Old Trafford for the long term, but it's an increasing possibility.

The Red Devils can reportedly sign the Colombian attacker, still owned by AS Monaco, on a permanent basis for a "cut-price fee."

The Telegraph's Mark Ogden details how Monaco's failure to comply with UEFA Financial Fair Play rules will likely force the Ligue 1 side to sell on the cheap. The £9.5 million fine and 22-man squad restrictions for European competitions will probably force Monaco's hand.

TOP NEWS

Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA Sports
Real Betis V Real Madrid - Laliga Ea Sports

Ogden notes how Falcao's form for United hardly recommends boss Louis van Gaal making the switch permanent: "Since United and Monaco agreed a £43.2 million fee last summer for any permanent deal for Falcao, the 29-year-old has scored just four goals in 27 appearances, making it highly unlikely that manager Louis van Gaal will seek to retain the player, who earns a reduced £265,000 a week."

Yet despite his struggles, there have been suggestions United are keen on extending Falcao's current loan agreement. The Mirror's David McDonnell recently reported Van Gaal has considered keeping Falcao around until January, albeit in a squad role.

But B/R analyst Sam Tighe believes that would be a risk, despite the likelihood United sell Robin van Persie this season. He cites Falcao's and the Dutchman's respective ages and injury histories as reasons for the Reds to recruit a new striker this summer:

Falcao may want more considering his pedigree as one of the deadliest finishers in Europe. While that reputation has been dented this season, he remains a talent who still has the instincts of a natural finisher.

He looked particularly sharp during United's recent 1-0 defeat at Premier League champions Chelsea. His movement was quick, clever and decisive. Falcao just needs games to rediscover his scoring touch.

Van Gaal will have to decide if that possibility is worth paying a fee for a permanent contract.

Angel Di Maria a Loan Target for Paris Saint-Germain

Another high-profile arrival during last summer's transfer window who has disappointed, Angel Di Maria could now secure his own loan switch. The Argentinian schemer is wanted on a temporary deal by Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, per The Sun (h/t BBC Sport).

Di Maria has struggled to cope in England.

For all his natural flair, creativity and pace, Di Maria hasn't come close to justifying the £59.7 million fee Van Gaal paid for the ex-Real Madrid man. He's managed just four goals in all competitions, according to WhoScored.com. The 27-year-old has supplied 10 assists, but United surely expected more from the lightning-fast, mercurial playmaker.

Thom Gibbs of The Telegraph told B/R's Ryan Bailey Di Maria has found it tough adapting to the physicality and pace of England's top flight:

Di Maria's Old Trafford career has also been harmed by the re-emergence of Juan Mata. The Spaniard has become a regular fixture during 2015 and hasn't lost his knack for finding the net.

A change of scenery may be the best scenario for both clubs. United are unlikely ever to recoup exactly what they spent on Di Maria, but if he impresses on loan, the Red Devils could still eventually earn a sizable fee, particularly if mega-rich PSG are making the bid.

At the moment, it seems safer to assume neither Falcao nor Di Maria are wearing United colours next season. Both have failed to even come close to living up to their reputations.

Only wiser spending will rebuild Van Gaal's squad for a more credible Premier League title push.

Mbappé's Rollercoaster Season 🎢

TOP NEWS

Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA Sports
Real Betis V Real Madrid - Laliga Ea Sports
United States v Japan - International Friendly
FIFA World Cup 2026 Venues - New York New Jersey Stadium

TRENDING ON B/R