ABU DHABI // Radamel Falcao says he still has faith he can extend his Manchester United career beyond the conclusion of this season, despite the striker failing to convince at the club thus far.
The Colombian forward has endured a frustrating seven months since last summer’s loan move from AS Monaco, managing to score only four times in 22 matches in all competitions.
Currently, Falcao sits behind Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in the pecking order for the lone striker role preferred by Louis van Gaal, the United manager. He showed fleeting glimpses of his prowess during this international break, though, scoring twice last Thursday in a friendly with Bahrain and then from the penalty spot against Kuwait in Abu Dhabi on Monday night. Colombia defeated their Gulf opponents 3-1 at Zayed Sports City.
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Asked afterwards if he expected to remain at United next season, Falcao replied: “I have faith about that. When the season finishes I’m going to sit to think about my future and see what is the best for my career.”
Falcao has recently been linked to a number of prominent European clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Juventus. On Monday, he attracted headlines when he followed Real Madrid’s official account on Twitter, only to unfollow the European champions soon after. According to some reports, he has a £42.3 million (Dh230m) buyout clause in his current contract.
For now, however, Falcao insists he simply requires more matches to prove his worth to United, as the Old Trafford club seek to finish the Premier League campaign in the top four. At present, they sit two points behind second-placed Manchester City with eight games remaining. United next face Aston Villa at home on Saturday.
Having scored three goals in two matches for Colombia this past week, Falcao believes he will arrive back at Old Trafford in better form than when he departed.
“When I score it’s always important,” he said. “That gives me confidence. I said before, I need minutes; I need to play games in a row. Here with the national team, I had that opportunity and I gave my best. I scored and I return now to Manchester with more confidence.
“We have the last eight games. I will give my best to have the chance to play as many minutes as possible. I need only to play, to get minutes. I am confident in myself and about my fitness.”
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