Why Van Gaal should forget extending Man Utd striker’s stay

News that on-loan striker Radamel Falcao could be granted a longer loan stay at Manchester United is sure to raise a few eyebrows among Red Devils supporters, and well it might.

Much like United’s British-record signing, Angel Di Maria, the Colombian’s contribution has been underwhelming to put things mildly.

Perhaps the only real difference between these players, who arrived at Old Trafford with mammoth reputations, is at least Di Maria has produced a few sublime moments in a red shirt, albeit these goal-scoring displays were shortlived and earlier in the season.

Unfortunately for Falcao, who had been considered among the most fearsome strikers on the continent, the touch paper has remained unlit on his United career.

Only four goals have been forthcoming for Falcao, who has not only struggled for form, but was reportedly kept out of the side for a long while due to fitness concerns.

It seems all the more ludicrous then, that Louis van Gaal will sanction the proposed loan extension until January of next year.

Now in his 30th year, Falcao’s most potent days are almost certainly behind him and next to the other veteran striker in the squad his Premier League stats make him by far the more dispensable.

Rumours 31-year-old Dutch forward Robin van Persie could be moved on at the end of the season persist, but even during his leanest of three seasons at United his 10 goals in 28 appearances still trumps Falcao’s efforts.

The two-time Premier League top goalscorer still has plenty to offer and crucially he should be doing it alongside Wayne Rooney in a partnership which was largely responsible for the club’s last Premier League title.

Rooney’s drop back to midfield under Van Gaal seems premature and should Falcao stay on that only seems more likely to endure, to the captain and the club’s detriment.

Memphis Depay’s expected arrival also puts the squeeze on LVG’s striker spots, with young James Wilson in line to be marched even further out of contention.

Falcao’s face doesn’t fit and given his astronomical wages are also a drain on resources, there seems little logic in prolonging this ill-fated marriage.

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