Falcao Off The Mark For United

ManUtd.com's Adam Marshall takes a closer look at Radamel Falcao's first goal for United and the impact the striker could have at Old Trafford...

The roar that greeted Radamel Falcao's first goal for Manchester United against Everton on Sunday was something to behold.

The Old Trafford faithful know they have another world-class striker in their ranks and it was only a matter of time before he got off the mark for the club he joined on deadline day. Before I went to bed on the final day of August, a quick glance at Twitter led to the belief that the Colombia international was, in fact, joining City.

I admit my first response was one of envy as I swiftly envisaged how he would enhance the champions' attacking options even further. Instead, the following morning, the excited buzz was around the red half of Manchester. Falcao is a bona fide superstar and the reaction to his presence highlights this fact. The fans already adore him and goals like the one against Everton will only enhance his reputation.

It's this faith that impresses me about the club's supporters. He may have failed to score in his opening three games, a veritable drought by his exceptionally high standards, but the signs were there for everybody to see. He was close to scoring on his debut off the bench against QPR, hit the bar at Leicester City and, of course, has also provided a couple of beautiful assists.

When unable to convert a couple of extremely good chances that came his way against the Toffees, it seemed the inevitable rustiness may extend into another game. Instead, he showed his predatory instincts to stick out a right boot to divert Angel Di Maria's shot past Tim Howard. This was the moment we were waiting for. Old Trafford exploded with noise and, when he was replaced later in the half, there was another chance to see James Wilson in action.

The teenager looked typically assured, as did Tyler Blackett as the Reds held out in the closing stages. It may be David De Gea's wonderful saves, including stopping Leighton Baines' penalty and the amazing injury-time stop from Bryan Ovideo, that live longest in the memory from those in attendance but we may come to look back with reverence at Falcao's first goal for the club too.

The fact that it proved to be the winner makes it even sweeter and I am confident in predicting it will be the first of many for United's no.9.

Credit: manutd.com