Radamel Falcao's future at Manchester United is in doubt alongside several senior players whose contracts expire in 18 months, with David de Gea, Robin van Persie, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Rafael da Silva yet to sign new deals. There is an expectation at the club that the summer will feature another clearout by Louis van Gaal after the manager allowed 15 players to be sold or go on loan last year.
Although Van Gaal claimed last week to be confident De Gea will agree fresh terms – Real Madrid retain a firm interest in the goalkeeper – it is understood that Van Persie, Evans, Jones, Smalling and Da Silva are not close to reaching any agreement to extend their careers at United.
Falcao, who is on loan from Monaco and is costing United €20.6 million in signing fee and salary, has so far proved a disappointment. The striker has been hampered by injury since arriving in September and has scored only three goals, making seven starts in the Premier League in a total of 634 minutes' game time.
Falcao was dropped from United’s matchday squad of 18 by Van Gaal for Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Southampton at Old Trafford, the manager explaining afterwards that he had only one place for a forward among his replacements and that he had preferred James Wilson because of the 19-year-old’s pace.
Jorge Mendes, Falcao’s agent, confirmed the Colombian could leave the club this summer. “He is a very good player, the Manchester United fans have a fantastic player,” Mendes told SkySport Italia. “He could play in any team, anything could happen. One hundred per cent, he will be at one of the best teams in the world, if it’s United or not. But time is needed, we’ll see what happens.”
Adjust to the tempo
Van Gaal’s doubts over Falcao centre on his difficulty to so far adjust to the tempo of English football. He has suffered three serious knee injuries during his career – the last of which occurred in January last year and ruled him out of the
World Cup
.
Falcao (28) was dismayed to be dropped, although he has rejected suggestions that he left the stadium before the end. As Van Gaal had not discussed his decision to leave him out of the Southampton game beforehand, he is thought to have explained his reasons to the former Porto player on Monday.
Although it is thought that there is yet to have been firm contact between the United executive and the representatives of Van Persie, Evans, Jones, Smalling and Da Silva regarding new terms, Van Gaal is relaxed about the situation.
Some of these players will hope to be offered contract extensions but the Dutchman is focusing on strengthening the squad and is targeting a right back, central defender and central midfielder.
This means that Da Silva and at least one of Evans, Smalling, and Jones are vulnerable, while Tom Cleverley, who is on loan at Aston Villa, will almost certainly be sold in the summer.
Van Gaal has doubts about Da Silva’s defensive qualities and is concerned at the injury problems that continue to hamper the progress of Evans, Smalling and Jones.
First-choice
Everton’s Seamus Coleman, Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne and Barcelona’s Dani Alves are of interest to Van Gaal as a first-choice right back. He has identified Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels at centre back and Kevin Strootman in central midfield as his ideal additions in those positions.
Van Gaal accepts that the current winter window is difficult to recruit elite players but he has not given up hope of signing Hummels in particular.
It would represent a surprise if Van Persie were not offered a new deal. United usually adopt a policy of offering one-year extensions to players in their 30s – Van Persie will be 32 in August – so the club may wait until the spring to do so.
Senior dressing room voices have urged Newcastle United to make their minds up about the identity of Alan Pardew’s successor but with no appointment imminent, it seems they will be kept guessing for a little longer. Newcastle are conducting thorough due diligence on a handful of candidates including Remi Garde, but John Carver, the caretaker, is expected to be in charge of Saturday evening’s Premier League game at home to Southampton. Guardian Service
