Falcao fully recovered and open to long-term deal

Radamel Falcao insists he has recovered from the serious knee injury that saw him miss the World Cup and is keen to make his stay at Manchester United permanent.

United pulled off a headline-grabbing coup by recruiting the prolific Colombia striker on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan from Monaco.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury in January, but he has been back in action for the French club and his country this term, getting on the scoresheet for the former.

Talking at his and fellow deadline day recruit Daley Blind’s official United unveiling yesterday, Falcao moved to alleviate any fears over his physical condition.

And, 24 hours on from executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward saying the Old Trafford outfit are budgeting to come at least third in this campaign, the frontman also emphasised his confidence he can help them bounce back from finishing seventh last season with a return to the top four.

Asked about his fitness, Falcao said: “I feel well. I started to play two months ago with Monaco and I have improved a lot.

“I have scored goals. I’m confident with my physical condition and I am comfortable with my knee.”

He added: “I think I won’t have a problem with adaptation.”

United have the option to buy Falcao after the loan deal ends and he certainly appears keen to commit himself long-term to the club.

“I think Manchester United are building a big team for this season and the future and I would like to be here and be part of this project,” he said. “I hope to stay for many years and make history at this club.”

Regarding United not being in Europe, he said: “Every player wants to play in the Champions League, and this year it’s not possible for Manchester United. But we are confident we will be able to qualify for next season in the Champions League.”

Dutch defender Blind, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to working under Louis van Gaal again and would be happy to play in either defence or midfield.

He said: “He (Van Gaal) was really important for me. He gave me a lot of trust during the World Cup and during the qualification games for the Dutch team.

“I’m happy to work again with the coach and I learned a lot from him and I hope I learn more. I’m getting better every day.

“For me I can play in both positions, as a defender and as midfielder and I want to play. If it’s on the left and if it’s as a defender or if it’s a midfielder then it’s up to the coach — I’ll try to do my best in the position where I play.”