Falcao blasts 'fools' over claims of injury problems at Man Utd
The Colombian striker missed eight months with knee injury and is now sidelined with calf problem
Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has rubbished claims that he has to ice his knee regularly in order to carry on playing.
The 28-year-old suffered a serious anterior cruciate injury in January, and The Guardian is among the papers to have claimed that the United forward is still feeling the effects. It was, says the paper the "third severe knee injury of Falcao's career and ruled him out for eight months". The absence meant Falcao missed Colombia's appearances in the summer World Cup finals in Brazil and only returned to action on 10 August when he scored in Monaco's 2-1 defeat to fellow French side Lorient.
On 1 September Falcao joined United on a season-long loan which earned Monaco an estimated £16m and confirmed the suspicion that Louis van Gaal was so concerned by the lack of world-class finishers in the squad he inherited from David Moyes he was prepared to take a punt on the injury-prone South American.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Falcao, who is earning £190,000 a week at Old Trafford, has admitted that the injury is never far from his thoughts, telling reporters that he had felt "nervous" about playing again after his knee problems. And according to the Guardian Falcao has "to ice his left knee following every training session and match to mitigate against further damage".
Though he said he felt in "spectacular" shape when he signed for United, so far Falcao's career has been anything but, and he has managed just one goal in five appearances. A calf injury has sidelined him for United's last three games and the Daily Mirror says that he has been omitted from Colombia's squad for their forthcoming friendlies as concerns grow that the injuries may be linked.
But he reacted angrily on Monday evening to the claims in the papers, taking to Twitter to rubbish the suggestions that his knee is still giving him problems. "One fool speculates. A few others lacking objectivity respond and millions believe lies," he thundered, adding: "It is disastrous what a few fools can do."
United will wait until the end of the season to decide whether to extend Falcao's contract, but the Guardian speculates that his injury problems could scupper a full-time deal.
Or is it already be too late? Goal.com reports that United "have already shaken hands on a deal with Monaco", one that would see the Red Devils part with £44m in June to secure the services of Falcao and his niggling knee.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published