Colombia superstar Radamel Falcao has spelled out his determination to rebuild his battered reputation during the final months of a trying loan spell at Manchester United.
– VIDEO: Falcao discusses future at Man Utd
The striker returns to Old Trafford with his morale boosted, a three-goal haul from Colombia’s friendly double-header in the Middle East far from the norm during his time in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old was not a lively performer in Abu Dhabi last night, yet his accomplished penalty in the 3-1 victory against Kuwait showed a flash of the lethal performer who shone for both Porto and Atletico Madrid.
This followed a brace and an assist in Bahrain on Thursday, such form a distinct improvement from his paltry return of four goals from 22 appearances since his summer move to England.
“I think when I score it is always important for me because it gives me confidence,” Falcao said at Zayed Sports City.
“I said before that I need minutes and I need to play [several] games in a row. “Here with the national team I have that opportunity. I gave my best and I will return to Manchester with more confidence.”
He added: “We [United] have the last eight games [of the season]. I will give my best to have the chance to play as many minutes as possible.
“I need only to play. I am confident about me and my fitness.”
Falcao’s failure to fire with the Red Devils has led to constant speculation about his future, the player having to shoot down links with Serie A giants Juventus this week. But he will need to show more in the final months to earn a permanent move to United or another elite outfit.
Against a Kuwait side ranked 125th in the world, this was a display devoid of real venom and the incision that once defined him.
Despite the continued indifference of club boss Louis van Gaal towards him, the 2012 FIFA World XI member retained belief about his United future.
He said: “I have faith about that. When the season finishes, I am going to sit and think about my future and see what is best for my career.”
The striker remains a key figure for his country, wearing the captain’s armband and last night matching Arnoldo Iguaran’s national scoring record in front of a lively Colombian contingent at ZSC.
The striker’s United future came up – as it always does – in Los Cafeteros’ head coach Jose Pekerman’s press conference. A diplomatic answer did not cast any further light on a story that is set to run.
He said: “Those are tough decisions and personal decisions. I am not the right person to give an opinion about it.
“He is smart and he will know how to choose his next destination, if he needs to change destination at all.”
