Uncertainty over Falcao’s future after Mendes slams Van Gaal

LONDON — Radamel Falcao’s agent has taken a swipe at Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal by claiming the forward would play in every game under any other manager at a top club.

Jorge Mendes, one of football’s so-called “super agents”, is confident Falcao will not have any problem finding another club should United choose not to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer.

However, he has risked inflaming a delicate situation at Old Trafford by appearing to question Van Gaal’s judgment.

The Dutchman has given Falcao, 28, seven Premier League starts since he arrived on loan from Monaco last September, although the forward has had fitness problems and has scored only three goals.

United will not want to fall out with Mendes, given that their goalkeeper David de Gea and record signing Angel di Maria are also clients of the Portuguese, although Van Gaal will not appreciate an outsider, albeit a powerful one, trying to influence his team selection.

In turn, Mendes may have made things more difficult for his client at Old Trafford, as Falcao’s team-mates may react negatively to his comments, particularly as the forward has not looked like the same player he was at Porto and Atletico Madrid.

“They (United) have an absolutely brilliant player,” Mendes said. “One of the very best in the world, who would, without any doubt, play 90 minutes of the match every time, with any other club.”

Regardless of what his agent thinks of his talent, Falcao’s future is an uncertain one.

United are unlikely to turn his loan move from Monaco into a longer stay unless there is dramatic improvement in his form between now and May.

The Colombian was dropped completely from the match-day squad on Sunday when Southampton defeated the Red Devils 1-0.

Falcao’s fitness has been questioned since he arrived in England following knee surgery earlier in the year, but the bottom line is that he is not scoring enough goals to tempt United to invest heavily in him.

With Monaco demanding £43.2 million (S$87.6 million) to sign the forward on a permanent basis, Falcao’s failure to replicate his prolific form in Argentina, Portugal, Spain and France means the Red Devils are expected to turn down the chance to sign him in June.

Mendes added: “The truth is, right now, we don’t know what will happen. What we know is he will play at one of the very best clubs in the world next season, whether that is Manchester United or not.” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH