What Now For Falcao?

Our friends at WhoScored.com assess Radamel Falcao’s struggles so far at Manchester United...

It's fair to say that Manchester United's flurry of high-profile transfer activity was expected to produce better than it has this season, with much of the blame now being apportioned at the door of Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman's curious tactics and team selections were excused at the start of the campaign as he looked to put his stamp on a side that had lost its identity. Now, however, six months into the season, United arguably look more lost than they ever did under the much-maligned tenure of David Moyes, as the WhoScored.com statistics highlight.

That said, Van Gaal's message is clear. He effectively wants his side to control possession for large periods of the game, tiring out the opposition with sideways passes and picking the opportune moment to play into the strikers. It now seems abundantly clear that it's an approach that doesn't suit a number of the players at his disposal. The key here is that it's the biggest names that were brought in after Van Gaal's appointment that are suffering the most.

Angel Di Maria appeared as though he would set the Premier League alight after an exciting start to life in England but minor injuries seem to have affected the Argentine, along with Van Gaal's tendency to move his primary playmaker around. Di Maria began the campaign in a three-man central midfield, as he does at international level, and appeared to be flourishing.

He has since played in another five different starting berths, the most confusing of which was the spot up front alongside Radamel Falcao while captain Wayne Rooney occupied the role in which Di Maria proved so effective early in the season.

It is, however, Falcao that has been the main focus of the criticism among the playing staff, not least due to the megabucks that he is earning during this loan spell at Old Trafford. Although it seems outrageous to say it due to said pay packet, one has sympathy for the front man. The Colombian striker, nicknamed 'El Tigre', needs to be fed after all.

United's current game plan, patient and precise as it is - averaging 59.2 per cent possession and an 84.7 per cent pass accuracy - just isn't getting the best out of their most dangerous players. Falcao has certainly not been anywhere near his best but he isn't being given the chance to reach that. The Tiger is caged and, if United are to see what he can really do, he needs to be unleashed.

With just four league goals for United thus far, Falcao is way down on his figures for both Atletico and Monaco, despite what some would call an underwhelming spell in the French principality. In his two seasons with the reigning La Liga champions the South American hit the ground running having fired Andre Villas-Boas' Porto to Europa League glory the season previous.

Falcao notched a massive 52 goals over 68 league appearances for the club and famously bagged a sensational hat-trick in the UEFA Super Cup final against Chelsea. He would only play 20 league matches for big spenders Monaco but, despite facing some criticism, still scored 11 times in Ligue 1.

It will serve as little surprise that Falcao's shot frequency has dropped over time, from 3.6 per game during his time in the Spanish capital to half that at United (1.8). While his chance conversion is also waning, this season in particular (at 13.8 per cent down from 21.1 per cent at Atletico), his eye for goal remains and just needs to be utilised more often.

Indeed, Falcao's shot accuracy is actually up on his time at either Atleti or Monaco and, at an impressive 51.7 per cent, of the 76 players to have had as many or more shots this season only Diego Costa's is better. Get more service to the striker and given the rate with which he tests the opposition keeper you can expect far better results.

In his time at Atletico Falcao's statistical rating (comprised and calculated from over 200 raw Opta stats) according to WhoScored.com was up at 7.19 (out of 10). It dropped significantly at Monaco (6.87), who attempted to play their star signing alongside a partner, and is continuing to do so at United with a similar tack (6.84).

Playing in a two-man front line has seen Falcao contribute more in terms of chance creation than before, with four assists already in just 16 appearances at United. He only managed the same number in his 88 league matches at Monaco and Atleti combined, but that is not why you sign a player like Falcao. Unlike Rooney, who has nine statistically calculated strengths according to WhoScored.com, and Van Persie, who has five, Falcao's game is far simpler, and arguably more limited.

The Colombian's sole statistical strength is, you guessed it, 'finishing'. If you aren't going to set up your side to exploit his goal-getting ability, there's an argument that Falcao's place in the starting XI may well be a wasted one.

Credit: Skysports.com