Radamel Falcao (left) and Daley Blind pose with their Man. United shirt, yesterday.Radamel Falcao is relishing the challenge of turning out for Manchester United following his transfer deadline day season-long loan move from Monaco.
The 28-year-old Colombia striker was put in front of the media for the first time since arriving at Old Trafford, along with fellow new signing Daley Blind and manager Louis van Gaal, and could make his United debut in Sunday’s Premier League home clash with QPR.
Falcao told a news conference: “I’m glad to be here. It’s a big challenge for me and for my career. I always dreamed to be in a club like Manchester United.”
The loan fee for Falcao was thought to be between five and six million pounds when he joined United, who have an option to buy.
Although he had been struggling with a knee injury, Falcao confirmed he is on his way back to full fitness.
“Yes, I feel well, I started to play a month ago with Monaco and I improved in the last month a lot,” he said. “I scored a goal and it’s important for a striker (to score goals). I’m confident with my physical condition and my knee.”
The former Atletico Madrid hitman is looking forward to playing for the club and being part of the team this season, which he believes will make more of an impression than last term where they failed to qualify for Europe after finishing seventh.
“This is a new process, a new team. This year some players have come in and I think that Manchester United will build a big team this season and in the future and I would like to be here and be part of the project,” he said.
“I’m feeling good, I’m really happy here. I’m having a good settling in period at the club.”
As for the lack of Champions League football this term, Falcao added: “It’s true, every player wants to play in the Champions League, this year it’s not possible in Manchester (United).
“But we are confident we will be able to qualify for next season in the Champions League.”
Blind, who made his £14m move to Old Trafford on deadline day, had long been expected to join his former Holland boss Van Gaal at United and the deal was finally signed off just over three hours before the end of the window.
The 24-year-old said he was looking forward to working under 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 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 defensive 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.”