Sport: Falcao has proved himself in first training session - Van Gaal

The striker, on loan from Monaco, dispelled any worries in the Manchester United manager's mind about form or fitness with his efforts, the Dutchman proudly declares
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists loan signing Radamel Falcao has already proved his form and fitness in his first training session.

The Colombian striker arrived from Monaco on deadline day and, at his unveiling on Thursday alongside Daley Blind, confirmed his intention to earn a permanent move.

Falcao had misssed the World Cup due to a cruciate ligament injury picked up in January but his new boss says that he is fit and ready to fire - though he admits patience will be required.
"Today in training he got one ball and it was in the goal so he confirmed [his readiness] in his first training session with me," Van Gaal told reporters, "but, when I say this, I put too much pressure on him and that's not good.

"I know it's very difficult to come from another club toManchester United in a new process."

Falcao and Blind were among six high-profile recruits for the Red Devils this summer but Van Gaal is not worried about struggling to fit them into the side after shipping out several players at the same time - including striker Danny Welbeck, an academy product who joined Arsenal for £16 million on deadline day.

"How do you fit all the players? We bought five, one player is on loan here and maybe we can buy him - that's Falcao - and we let go 14 players," the manager remarked, "so how to fit these players in is not so difficult when you let go 14 players and only six players come in their place.

"We need also the youth education, that is the philosophy of Manchester United also. Because of this policy we give youth players a chance but the question is if they take the chance.

"It is, of course, more risky but I think it's the only way to do it and I think Manchester United have always had homegrown players in the squad and that's the way to do it."

Javier Hernandez was another striker who joined Welbeck in leaving to make way for Falcao, heading to Real Madrid on loan, and Van Gaal explained that the two players had been consulted before departing the club.

He continued: "We have spoken with Welbeck and also with Hernandez before there was a chance to get Falcao.

"We have to be fair because, for example, I see that we have a lot of youth that can fit in, it's only [fair] that they have to take the chance to play football and I have to put them in the squad but, when you can hire or buy a player like Falcao then I don't have doubts because he is one of the best strikers in the world and, when you see his record, it's unbelievable."