Radamel Falcao backed for Manchester United success by Faustino Asprilla
By Dev Trehan
Former Colombia striker Faustino Asprilla says compatriot Radamel Falcao will put his injury problems behind him to become a hit at Manchester United.
Falcao, who was bought by Monaco for £50m in 2013, completed a deadline day loan move to United despite not playing for eight months due to a serious knee injury.
But former Newcastle striker Asprilla, who scored nine goals in 11 European games during a spell on Tyneside in the mid-90s, is backing his countryman for success at Old Trafford.
"I think it’s fair to say Falcao’s move to Manchester United took everybody by surprise but I’m sure they have selected the right man to help the team," Asprilla told Sky Sports.
"He‘s a great goalscorer, a natural finisher and he is among the best in the world in that position.
"He will be fine (physically) because he has had ample time to recover and his therapy has been great so he should be 100 per cent.
"I’m sure he will do very well for Manchester United.”
Falcao was unable to recover in time for the 2014 World Cup but Asprilla believes Real Madrid new-boy James Rodriguez shone in his absence.
"It was a great performance from Colombia in the World Cup. Every player stood up and was counted and they deserve all the praise they have received," he said.
"James had a great World Cup, he became the tournament’s top goalscorer which is amazing. To be the top goalscorer in a World Cup is the dream of every player.
"He is a friend as well as a world-class player. I hope he succeeds at Real Madrid and I expect him to do really well."
Asprilla was speaking at the Soccerex Football Festival at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium before the start of the 2014 Global Convention on Monday.
"I am very happy to be back in England because it brings back very happy memories of when I used to play here," he added.