Falcao sold on United thanks to LVG factor

Radamel Falcao is excited to be working with Louis van Gaal after completing his last-minute loan move to Manchester United.

The prolific Colombian striker, one of the stars of the world game, joined United in a shock season-long deal from Monaco on deadline day.

His arrival capped an extraordinary summer for United in which they brought in the vastly experienced Van Gaal as manager and spent more than £150 million (€188m) on players.

Falcao, who was heavily linked with Real Madrid last week, is now looking forward to immersing himself in Dutch boss Van Gaal’s philosophy.

The 28-year-old, whose £6m (€7.5m) loan could be made permanent next summer, said: “I am very excited for that. Van Gaal is a very good trainer with a lot of experience.

“I want to do the best for the team, for him and for the supporters.”

Falcao will join British record signing Angel di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Juan Mata in a formidable attacking unit.

As Falcao arrived, United allowed homegrown striker Danny Welbeck to move to Arsenal for a fee thought to be around £16m (€20m).

Former United defender and assistant manager Mike Phelan believes that is a shame and signifies a major strategy change at the club.

Phelan said: “They have probably lost the way of Manchester United a little bit. Now, rather than produce, it may be the case where they are buying in.

“Someone like a Danny Welbeck has been part of United’s identity and that has been broken.”

Phelan has also backed Welbeck, 23, to thrive at Arsenal.

“He is still only a young player and with young players you will get peaks and troughs but it is a case of Danny feeling more important in himself than he probably was over the last 12 months,” said Phelan.

“He is in a position where he can play where he wants and I think that is why he chose Arsenal because they give him the opportunity to play in his best position, which is a striker.”

While Welbeck’s exit saddened Phelan, the arrival of Falcao is viewed as a major signal of intent by United captain Wayne Rooney. Falcao’s arrival raises questions as to how United will utilise Rooney — a subject the striker was not keen to talk about, preferring to focus on the impact the signing will have at Old Trafford.

“I obviously don’t know how it could affect my role, that is something you’d have to ask Louis van Gaal,” the England striker said

“But I think is a fantastic signing, he is one of the best players in the world.

“It is a real sign of intent from Manchester United and an exciting signing for us.”

Referring to Welbeck’s exit, Rooney added: “Obviously time will tell [if he prospers at Arsenal]. It is obviously a good move for Danny.

“It was difficult because he wasn’t playing all of the time at Manchester United, so he had to make a decision and he has obviously chosen to leave.

“We will miss him in our dressing room. He is a great friend of mine. I wish him all the best.”