Juventus’ managing director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that Radamel Falcao was set to join his club before Manchester United made a last minute move. Marotta said that the Colombian had made up his mind to join Juventus before moving to Manchester United on a 1-year loan deal. He told Domenica Sportiva Goal.com reports, “We followed Falcao, but there has been no contact since he moved to Manchester United. We were very close to signing him and the striker preferred a move to Italy to wear Bianconeri colours.
“Then, however, a deal was done to send the forward to Manchester United, who can now buy the player permanently, though that deal is a little blurred.”
Manchester United’s manager Louis Van Gaal was looking to make a big name signing upfront as they sold Danny Welbeck to Arsenal for £16m and loaned out Mexican striker Javier Hernandez to Real Madrid. United invested £10m plus as the loan fee and his massive wages of £300,000. The huge investment in Falcao hasn’t paid off yet as he hasn’t been at his best.
There were doubts about his fitness when he signed for United but he had plenty of time to get into shape. Despite that, he has managed to score just 1 goal in 5 appearances. He has lasted for 250 minutes in those 5 games which puts a serious question about his fitness levels at the moment.
The 28-year old was absent in United’s fixture against Chelsea due to a reported thigh injury which he is currently nursing. United fans will be hopeful that he returns in time for the Manchester derby this Sunday.
On the other hand, Italian side Juventus haven’t quite missed Falcao as they sit 3 points clear of any other team at the top of Serie A. Former Manchester United Striker Carlos Tevez has been in brilliant form so far this season and has done the bulk of the scoring for the Old Lady.