Radamel Falcao has confirmed he wishes to stay with Manchester United for "many years," despite not yet representing the club on the pitch.
The transfer deadline-day signing joined on a loan deal from Monaco, per Simon Stone of BBC Sport, but he is already picturing himself as an Old Trafford star for years to come. Falcao spoke during the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Queens Park Rangers, reported by David Anderson of the Mirror:
Yes, I hope to stay many years in Manchester United and make history in this club. When I was in Porto and Atletico Madrid, I always wanted to improve and I dreamt of playing in a team like this and now I want to stay here for many years.
This is undoubtedly excellent news for the Red Devils, who are looking to bounce back from a terrible 2013-14 season and beginning to the current campaign. Many questioned whether United would be able to lure world-class players now their grasp on Champions League qualification has slipped, but the signing of individuals such as Falcao, Angel Di Maria and Juan Mata ensures there is no room for debate.
Falcao's willingness to stay should be taken as the truest indication of the club's ambition. The Colombian has represented five clubs in as many years and is yet to realise his potential on the Champions League stage.
While many will accuse him of being a mercenary—picking monetary gain over more obvious chances at silverware with moves to Monaco and United—it is encouraging to hear him consider a long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams. Van Gaal's team is taking shape after just one transfer window, providing Falcao with the chance to be a saviour by the time business opens again in January.
Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind also have major roles to play. Even so, it is Falcao's performances ahead of Di Maria that have the ability to define whether United make it back into Europe's elite competition at the first time of asking.
A winless start to Van Gaal's competitive reign ensures there's major improvements to be made along the adaptation to his transitional 3-5-2. Falcao's ability to hold possession up and bring his teammates into play can be key in this formation, as the full-backs bust a gut to provide support from deep.
He also provides a prolific aerial threat and obvious target when balls are punted upfield from defence, a feature of United's play this campaign.
Improvements will take time. Only the most optimistic United fans will expect a five-star display against QPR, especially with so many new signings being brought into the equation. Even so, former United midfielder Paul Scholes has taken heart from Van Gaal's acquisitions, as reported by Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World:
Paul Scholes: "The calibre of player we have brought in is top quality, like Di Maria and Falcao. These are proper players." #MUFC
— Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) September 10, 2014
Falcao's likely appearance against QPR could be the first of many for his new club. It is perhaps foolish to expect an instant impact, but his arrival indicates United should be considered a superpower that hasn't permanently discarded their cape.
Although Falcao will need time to establish himself as the goalscoring hero, United fans can take solace from the striker's public indication that he is looking to stay beyond his temporary deal.
Source: Bleacher Report
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