Radamel Falcao has admitted his long-term Manchester United future is uncertain, with it depending on how much he plays and if the club want him to stay.
The Colombian is on a season’s loan from Monaco at a total cost of £16m and has been hampered by injury and uneven form. In October he suffered a muscle problem then a separate calf complaint and has been limited to only three Premier League starts and one goal since joining in September.
Louis van Gaal declared him fit to start before Sunday's 3-0 win over Liverpool but he was limited to a 12-minute substitute appearance, replacing Wayne Rooney.
United have an option to buy Falcao permanently next summer but are weighing up his form and fitness. He has suffered three severe knee injuries, the last of which occurred in January and ruled him out of the World Cup.
Asked if he would like to sign permanently, Falcao admitted to being unsure whether Van Gaal wants him to stay. “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,” he said. “But from my point of view, I really want to stay.”
Falcao is not happy at playing so little though he pointed out any player wants maximum game time. “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,” he said.
He has talked to Van Gaal about his playing more. “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,” he said.
Falcao is happy with his fitness. “I am very well. I’m almost at 100% now, let’s 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.”
On Sunday James Wilson was chosen ahead of Falcao, the 19-year-old partnering Robin van Persie, as Rooney operated in midfield. "We have a group of strikers who are very good and that's good for everyone," said the United No9. "That means there is always a level of competition between us, healthy competition, and obviously I am very happy with how the team is doing."
He was pleased to come on, though. “It felt good. In reality it’s good. I continue. Physically I felt good. I am very good, very happy because of the run that we are on. I am not playing many minutes but I am sure that there will more opportunities to play. It’s all good here. I am very happy in this city, in this club and I am enjoying it here.”
His team-mate Juan Mata said: "He is training very well, he is waiting for his opportunity like the great professional he is, like the great team-mate he is. And it makes me happy that he played and it will make me even happier if he can score."
(Guardian service)
