Falcao: Manchester United Gambled On Me, Not Real Madrid

Manchester United new signing Radamel Falcao has claimed Louis Van Gaal's side "were the ones that gambled" more on him this summer – despite reports that claimed Real Madrid were also very interested in securing his services.

According to reports in Spain, the Colombian star was likely to move to the Champions League winners and wait for them until the very end of the transfer window.

However, even though Manchester City were reportedly also interested, United won the race by completing a sensational deadline day move for the Colombian international, after agreeing a loan deal with Monaco, with the option to make the move permanent next summer.

When questioned during an interview with Spanish Radio Onda Cero about how close he was to signing with Real Madrid rather than United, Falcao said: "I would rather not to talk about that."

"It is already past and I have to look to the future. I have to look to Manchester United. I am very happy here,"

"There were many talks and speculations (about Real Madrid) but Manchester United were the ones that gambled on me when it was very difficult to do so (because of fears over his fitness). I really appreciate that. I am in one of the best clubs in the world."

According to the reports, the Premier League giants have the option to pay an extra £43m should they decide to take the striker on permanently from Monaco at the end of the season.

Falcao insist his intention is to stay at Old Trafford.

"In terms of my thoughts and plans for the future, I want to stay at Manchester United for the coming years," he added.

Meanwhile, the Colombian start promises United supporters that the best is yet to come from him and from the club after a struggling start to the campaign.

"The amount of new signings have prevented us to have an easy adaptation. Some players arrived when the Premier League had already started. But we are progressing and playing better."

Having scored his first goal for the club during the 2-1 victory over Everton on weekend, Falcao claims he is closing his peak form following a long-term injury.

"What happened at the start of the year (a serious knee injury at Monaco) affected me in every way, but it has also helped me grow as a human being, to think about many things, to mature,"

"I'm still going to need some time to be ok, but I am feeling very comfortable and very good on the pitch, in harmony with myself, with the ball and with football."