MX23RW : Saturday, April 20 06:04:42| >> :120:12072:12072:

Live Coverage: Manchester United unveil Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind in press conference

Catch up on Manchester United's press conference unveiling deadline-day signings Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind.
2

Manchester United's transfer deadline day signings Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind were officially unveiled in this afternoon's press conference.

The pair addressed the assembled media alongside manager Louis van Gaal ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Queens Park Rangers.

Discover how the press conference unfolded in our updates below:


Sort:
Newest
Oldest
Good afternoon all! United are due to officially present their deadline-day signings Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind today, with both in line to make their debuts against QPR on Sunday.

Louis van Gaal will join the pair in addressing the media today as he continues to hunt for his first competitive win as United manager.

Falcao was a surprising addition to the United team, as I'm sure you'd agree! The Colombian emerged as a target for the Red Devils on the final day of summer window on January 1. Despite reported interest from Manchester City and Arsenal, Falcao opted to join United on a season-long loan from Monaco.

Blind also came through the Old Trafford door on deadline day in a reported £13m move from Ajax. Questions have been raised over what position the Dutchman will play in given his versatility in midfield and defence. It has been suggested that the 24-year-old will be used as a defensive midfielder for Van Gaal.

Blind and Falcao were two of six summer signings, including Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Angel di Maria. United were under pressure to spend this summer and spend they did! The club spent around £150m on new stars, £59.7m of which was splurged on Di Maria.

United now have a wealth of attacking talent with Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao, Angel di Maria and Juan Mata in the ranks, but how will they all fit in? Van Gaal may be fired with that question this afternoon.

The focus may be on Falcao and Blind, but let's not forget that there is a game on Sunday! United can earn their first win of the Premier League season by beating QPR at Old Trafford. So far, Van Gaal has overseen one defeat and two draws in the top flight.

Here you are United fans - your deadline day signings in training today:



They should be arriving any minute, so stay tuned for updates!

Okay, so we're still waiting... When do these things ever start on time, eh? Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward claimed earlier this week that the club is aiming for third place in the Premier League this season. What do you think United fans, is that a realistic finish?

Here they are! The trio have taken their seats and are ready to speak to the assembled media...

Falcao: "I am very happy to be here, its a big challenge for me, for my career and I always dream to be in a club like Manchester United."

Falcao on his recent injury: "I feel well, I started to play two months ago with Monaco and I have improved in the last month, a lot. I scored goal, thats important to strikers and I'm confident with my physical form and I am comfortable with my knee."

Falcao: "It's a new process, new team. I think United have built a big team this season and will in future seasons. I would like to be here and be part of this project."

Van Gaal on how to fit the new players in: "We bought five players and one player is on loan here (Falcao) and maybe we can buy him next season. We let go 14 players, so how to fit in these players is not so difficult. When you let go of players to other clubs then you are allowed to give players a chance. Because of this policy, we give new players a chance, but the question is if they take the chance? It's more risky but it is the only way to do it."

Falcao: "I feel very good in myself. I've had a great welcome from everyone in the club. When you're surrounding by quality players, it makes the settling in period easier."

Blind on reuniting with Van Gaal: "He gave me a lot of trust in the World Cup in the Dutch team. I've learned a lot from him and I hope I learn more."

Falcao: "I don't think I need too much time (to adapt) because United has very good players and that makes it easier to play football. I'm used to life in cities like this - I don't have problem with adaptation."

Falcao on not playing in Europe: "Every player wants to play Champions League - this year is not possible, but we are confident of qualifying for the next Champions League."

Van Gaal on whether this will be a team more in his image than before: "I hope so because they have to perform our philosophy and that philosophy is not so easy to perform - we've seen it already, but I think the players that we have selected will do it better. Otherwise we don't need to buy those players I think."

Blind on his favoured position: "It's important for me to be able to play in both defence and midfield. It's up to the coach where I play but I will always try to do my best."

Blind on Van Gaal's denamds: "He's very strict in what he wants, the style he wants from the team, and the players have to do exactly what the best is in his eyes to win the game. Every game that could be a different style but he reads the game so well and his predictions about the game almost come true every time."

Falcao on pressure: "I've been fortunate to play for some big clubs all over the world in some important games, and win trophies and play in big finals. I'd rather focus on enjoying my football and making the most of this opportunity. Footballers handle pressure in different ways - I set myself my own targets and put my own pressure on myself."

Falcao on changes at the club: "I see the club on a period of getting to know each other. There's a lot of news faces. But you're talking about a lot of top-quality, intelligent players who are bright enough to assimilate any tactics the manager has in mid for us. We will be able to adapt to that on the field and quickly."

Van Gaal discussing his youth policy: "I just said we let go 14 players and only bought six. Then more than eight positions are vacant and they are vacant for the youths. I have used a lot of youngsters in pre-season but also in the season. I am always willing to give young players chances but they must take the chances. I cannot do that for them, they must do it themselves. But the possibility is there, the youngsters know that, and I believe United has come to me because of that."

It appears that Falcao is already looking beyond his loan move! He said: "I hope to stay many years at Manchester United and make history at this club. When I was at Porto and Atletico I always wanted to improve and I dreamed of playing in a team like this. Now I want to stay here for many years."

Van Gaal on Robin van Persie's fitness: "I think he is fitter than he was for the World Cup. He was injured before it and fought to be there. Maybe you remember I let him train the first three weeks before he played a game. I think he is fitter than ever."

Van Gaal on Welbeck's sale and the opportunity to sign Falcao: "We have spoken with Danny Welbeck and also Chicharito before Falcao was [available]. It changed that we could get him, we had to be fair. I think in that area we have a lot of youth that can fit in. They have to take their chance to play football and I have to put them in the squad, but when you can hire a player like Falcao I don't have doubts because he is one of the best strikers in the world. Today in training he gave one ball and it was in the goal. But when I say this I put too much pressure on him - I know that it's very difficult to come from another club to Manchester United in a new process. We let go 14 players and bought six. That's 20. There is a new hierarchy in the dressing room that's now existing so we are in a process. He, Daley and all the other players are in that process and it's not so easy. That's why I asked for time because I knew in advance that this would happen. I gave all the players a chance to exist me of their abilities."

More from Van Gaal on Welbeck: "When you ask me about Welbeck, he has been here since he is nine, and he spent three years here after being at Sunderland, but he doesn't have the record of Van Persie or Rooney. That is the standard. That's why we let him go – because of Falcao and also the youngsters we have to come in."

And with that, the press conference comes to an end. In summary, Falcao has insisted that he feels fit and wants to stay at United for "many years". Blind is open to playing in both the defence and midfield, while Van Gaal has defended his youth policy and believes that he now has the players who can carry out his philosophy! Right, that's all from me. Until next time, goodbye.

ID:176154: cacheID:176154:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:15113:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Angel di Maria of Manchester United runs with the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on August 30, 2014
Read Next:
Rojo eyes 'plenty of success' with United
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!