United to use striker as bait for Columbian ace

Manchester United are reported to have joined rivals Manchester City and Chelsea in the race to sign highly rated Athletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao. The Daily Mail states that Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to add the £47million rated forward to his already lethal striking roster. United are apparently prepared to use Javier Hernandez as bait in the deal, and are willing to offer £27m plus their Mexican striker. 

Falcao has become one of the most potent strikers on the continent in recent seasons, scoring 54 goals for Athletico Madrid since arriving from Porto for a €40million in 2011. His impressive goal scoring instincts haven’t gone unnoticed, becoming the first La Liga player in over a decade to score 5 goals in a game, in a 6-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna

However, Hernandez has made a big impression at Old Trafford since arriving from Mexican outfit Guadalajara. Into his third season at the club, Hernandez has an impressive ratio of 48 goals 68 starts. The 24 year old has made pivotal impacts across all 3 seasons, including two second half goals at Villa Park this season when United came from behind to win 3-2. However, Chicharito has been unable to hold a starting berth on a consistent basis, and has often had a greater impact when arriving off the bench.

It should be remembered that Ferguson has praised the patient and charismatic attitude of the Mexican on numerous occasions, and would be averse to losing the club’s most clinical finisher. Several national newspapers have reported that any move for Falcao could instead spell the end of Wayne Rooney’s Old Trafford career. Rooney no longer appears to be the untouchable figure he was once, and Ferguson may alternatively choose to cash in on the England striker to raise funds.

Michael Dobson

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