• Premier League

Falcao vows to prove class at United

Radamel Falcao feared he would never play at the top level again during his eight month injury lay-off but says he is now in "spectacular" condition as he bids to return Manchester United to their former glory.

The 28-year-old striker, who moved to United in a dramatic deadline-day loan deal from Monaco, ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in a French Cup game in January, an injury which caused him to miss the Word Cup.

Radamel Falcao: "I believe I will show I'm still at the top level" © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: My knee is perfect, says United target Vidal
  
• News: United mad to sell Welbeck - Ferdinand
  
• News: Di Maria hints at Ronaldo frustration
  
• News: Mourinho: FFP gives United advantage
  

Falcao watched on as Colombia went out in the quarter-finals to hosts Brazil, but finally made his international comeback against the same opponents in Miami on Friday to cap off a hectic week.

"I'm so happy to be back and to have this opportunity life has granted me after the injury," said Falcao, who came on for the last 13 minutes of the 1-0 defeat.

"I'm excited about being able to join Manchester United. I hope to score a lot of goals for them - that is something I have done everywhere I have played.

"Because of the injury I felt so nervous before this game, almost like it was my first time with the national team. I expect it will be the same before I play my first game for United.

"Physically I feel spectacular. I have been able to play without any kind of trouble whatever. Throughout my rehab people have given me so much support and sent me so many kind messages. I want to thank them by giving them as much happiness as possible. As time passes and I get into game shape, I believe I will show I'm still at the top level."

The nature of Falcao's injury ensured he underwent a rigorous medical at United's Carrington training centre on Monday night, with his move confirmed more than two hours after the transfer deadline had passed.

United are believed to be paying around £20 million in all for the striker's services this season, when his £5m loan fee and wages are factored in, with a £51.3m transfer fee mooted should Louis van Gaal decide to make the move permanent next summer.

The club have spent more than £150m this summer with Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo also brought in, and Falcao knows the size of the task at hand in turning around United's fortunes after last season's seventh-placed finish.

"It is a dream come true to play for such a great and famous club," he said. "To bring the good times back is what we all want and I will work extra hard to do that. United are an historic club, one of the three best clubs in the world.

"They've made me feel very important in this new project and I'm very pleased and happy to have joined them.

"There has been too much speculation about other clubs but that's in the past now and I've chosen to join Manchester United. Going there was always in my best interests."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd