Falcao eager to fire United to UEFA glory

New Manchester United signing Radamel Falcao declared his readiness to fire the Red Devils to Champions League qualification this season.

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

The 28-year-old missed the end of 2013/14 and the summer’s World Cup after sustaining a serious knee injury in January, but he has been back in action for the French club and his country, getting on the scoresheet for the former.

Talking at his official United unveiling on, Falcao moved to alleviate any fears over his form and physical condition.

Asked about his fitness, Falcao, set to make his debut in Sunday’s Barclays Premier League home clash with QPR, 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.”

The prolific frontman also emphasised his confidence he can help United bounce back from finishing seventh last season with a return to the top four.

And 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.”

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.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said the Old Trafford outfit is targeting to come at least third on the Premier League table this campaign.

“I think that 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.”

While Falcao was joining United on deadline day, Welbeck, a product of their youth academy, was moving to Arsenal for a reported £16million.

Van Gaal left no doubt on Thursday that he thinks that Welbeck is not up to scratch as he drew comparisons with United frontmen Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, as well as Falcao.

Van Gaal stressed he had not brought Falcao in due to any notion that Van Persie is a fading force. He said: “I don’t have doubts because he is for me one of the best strikers in the world, and when you see his record it is unbelievable.

“Today in training he got one ball and it was in the goal. So he confirmed it in his first training session with me.

“But when I say this, I put too much pressure on him.”

Sunday’s game could also see United bows for summer arrivals Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw, and a first home appearance for another, Angel di Maria, who the Red Devils – still without a victory this season – paid a British record transfer fee for.