[Treble]

You're talking up his peak and talking down his current status to fit your narrative. He's always been a tier below the very best in the world, which is where he sits now. One of the very best strikers around but not quite up there with the goal per game freaks like Aguero, Messi, Ronaldo and (while he was at Liverpool) Suarez.

I've no doubt he could get similar numbers to his most prolific season for United if he played a whole season as a number 9 but right now he's a victim of a combination of his own versatility, an unbalanced squad and a manager who seems incredibly reluctant to drop the captain of a national team that he steered to a WC semi-final.

You've been desperate to write him off for years but his performances so far this season (not to mention his goal or assist/game average in a car-crash of a season in 2013/14) are those of a player who is either at - or very close to - his peak right now. It's simply absurd to lump him alongside Van Persie as a striker who peaked 2 or 3 years ago.

OK. I'm not talking him up. He was a tier below Ronaldo and Messi but not a tier below other forwards. Recently, he hasn't been in that second tier of forwards. I do not think that he is close to his peak from season 09/10 and 2011. I have watched him enough, you know. Well, I may be wrong. I'm not a football expert. But Scholes said pretty much the same and he knows Rooney's ups and downs quite better than us, I guess. He could be wrong as well. Time will show etc.

I'm lumping RVP and Rooney together in the sense that both have peaked. But this does not imply that they have played at the same level recently. Rooney plays better in his role than RVP as a striker. BTW, if I'm not mistaken, RVP's stats from last season weren't bad if you consider them in terms of contributed golas per game. They do not correspond to the dramatic picture that you present. Stats wise, Mata has been quite good as well but we know that he hasn't been very good for United.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

OK. I'm not talking him up. He was a tier below Ronaldo and Messi but not a tier below other forwards. Recently, he hasn't been in that second tier of forwards. I do not think that he is close to his peak from season 09/10 and 2011. I have watched him enough, you know. Well, I may be wrong. I'm not a football expert. But Scholes said pretty much the same and he knows Rooney's ups and downs quite better than us, I guess. He could be wrong as well. Time will show etc.

I'm lumping RVP and Rooney together in the sense that both have peaked. But this does not imply that they have played at the same level recently. Rooney plays better in his role than RVP as a striker. BTW, if I'm not mistaken, RVP's stats from last season weren't bad if you consider them in terms of contributed golas per game. They do not correspond to the dramatic picture that you present. Stats wise, Mata has been quite good as well but we know that he hasn't been very good for United.

Let's revisit this at the end of the season. I think it will be abundantly clear by then who has peaked and who has not.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Keep the Rooney talk to the Rooney thread, or make a new one.

 

[Moriarty]

it's only just December and you're already writing him off? plenty of time left for him to prove himself, which I'm sure he will.

Not writing him off at all. We all know what a fit Falcao can do. What I'm saying is we're paying a lot of money for a player who isn't fit and whose game time has been markedly limited by injury problems. We knew this before we signed him. I just think the money might have been more wisely spent.

 

[FacerTheRed]

Not writing him off at all. We all know what a fit Falcao can do. What I'm saying is we're paying a lot of money for a player who isn't fit and whose game time has been markedly limited by injury problems. We knew this before we signed him. I just think the money might have been more wisely spent.

We're also paying 60k for a player who hasnt played once this season and another player who is playing for another TEAM! So money is obviously irrelevant here. Falcao is the perfect buy for united simple fact for the statement that United can still attract top players and ofc will be a vital player once he is fully fit and has some game time under his belt. So i believe he will make up for the money united is paying him, just have to be patient and the goals will come.

 

[Acquire Me]

I hate to see him only get a few minutes when we are in "control" and don't need to score. He needs to start a match or at least get in on the action in the second half. He will be immense for us.

 

[Moriarty]

We're also paying 60k for a player who hasnt played once this season and another player who is playing for another TEAM! So money is obviously irrelevant here. Falcao is the perfect buy for united simple fact for the statement that United can still attract top players and ofc will be a vital player once he is fully fit and has some game time under his belt. So i believe he will make up for the money united is paying him, just have to be patient and the goals will come.

Meanwhile, we'll have to rely on the midfielders and an out-of-sorts Van Persie.

 

[gasmanc]

Seriously doubt it. He just looks miles off the pace.

As I said last night he's had that heavy legged, slightly clumsy look about him throughout this season, so his issues run deeper than ring-rust from the recent injury. Really struck me when he came off the bench against West Brom. He played like he was running through treacle, constantly struggling to stay upright.

Not sure what's going on to be honest but he looks woefully under-cooked right now. If he's going to start any game soon it should be for our U-21s (which VG alluded to in a recent interview)

His intelligence and communication with in his 20 minute cameos recently, really have been of high order, when he replaced Wilson V Stoke there was an understanding instantly and a spacial awareness from Falcao that Wilson just didn't express. His 20 minutes against Hull he created a chance and then also created one for himself with a quick turn, he was insanely close to scoring too.
He simply isn't miles off the pace, he's not exactly on it either but his awareness shows an intelligence up there with Van Persie, his movement and his hold up play is going to be something special.
This running through treacle business holds no water whatsoever, his turn and pass then then follow up run to back up Mata showed excellent pace and his positioning to receive the pass was smart.
Tell you what though Pogue if you really want to see a bloke that looks like he's running through treacle look no further than Mata, Ive never seen such a small guy look like he's carrying such a huge weight on his back, totally understandable why Mourinho didn't fancy him.

 

[RORY65]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ture-in-doubt-as-fitness-concerns-linger.html

Van Gaal saying he's not going to start tomorrow, which is hardly a surprise. Looks like he's getting a bit arsey about his fitness, not sure why he's surprised given we took a punt on a player who'd just returned from such a serious injury.

 

[VanGaalEra]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ture-in-doubt-as-fitness-concerns-linger.html

Van Gaal saying he's not going to start tomorrow, which is hardly a surprise. Looks like he's getting a bit arsey about his fitness, not sure why he's surprised given we took a punt on a player who'd just returned from such a serious injury.

Was this the embargoed section of the press conference?

 

[JPRouve]

So Falcao will play with the reserve ?

 

[Striker10]

Maybe he's not happy Falcaos played in no reserve games but neither did Rojo. Just start him for the love of God.

 

[VanGaalEra]

He wanted him to play in the reserves but couldn't as we needed him on Tuesday on the bench.

It doesn't sound like he's getting annoyed to me tbh, it's just LVG stamping his authority and letting the media know he's in charge.

 

[Raoul]

Its getting over dramatized by a certain journo who Falcao recently called a speculating fool on Twitter.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

He wanted him to play in the reserves but couldn't as we needed him on Tuesday on the bench.

It doesn't sound like he's getting annoyed to me tbh, it's just LVG stamping his authority and letting the media know he's in charge.

Just wanted to say that. Media making stuff up, out of nothing. He only said he wanted him to play for the reserves, nothing more.... Media going for clicks shock.

 

[JPRouve]

Maybe he's not happy Falcaos played in no reserve games but neither did Rojo. Just start him for the love of God.

Apparently the players have to pass a test with the fitness coach, Rojo passed it easily and the others failed, so they had to play with the reserve. And it seems that Falcao failed too but Rooney injury didn't allowed Falcao to play with the reserve.

 

[Sam]

Maybe he's not happy Falcaos played in no reserve games but neither did Rojo. Just start him for the love of God.

What LVG says just goes in one ear, and out the other with some people, doesn't it?

 

[VanGaalEra]

Just wanted to say that. Media making stuff up, out of nothing. He only said he wanted him to play for the reserves, nothing more.... Media going for clicks shock.

It's typical to be honest, have to sell newspapers I guess.

Some people will lap it up though.

 

[RORY65]

He wanted him to play in the reserves but couldn't as we needed him on Tuesday on the bench.

It doesn't sound like he's getting annoyed to me tbh, it's just LVG stamping his authority and letting the media know he's in charge.

That's probably more likely in fairness, he seemed a bit grumpy in general on Friday and those quotes are maybe more indicative of him being short with the press than an issue with Falcao's fitness.

 

[Mali_Zeus]

It's typical to be honest, have to sell newspapers I guess.

Some people will lap it up though.

Exactly how they wanted them to..

 

[DWelbz19]

Wonder if it will ever kickstart. With Falcao and van Persie both not looking up to it, there will need to actually be some serious thought for a striker - someone at a younger age with a bit of dynamism and goalscoring about them. I quite like the look of the young Spaniard; Alcacer, but I think he's still too green for the move up at the minute. Either one of the two we have buck up their ideas, or we simply rely on Rooney to carry us through. There's actually some cause for concern here.

 

[VanGaalEra]

That's probably more likely in fairness, he seemed a bit grumpy in general on Friday and those quotes are maybe more indicative of him being short with the press than an issue with Falcao's fitness.

Yeah, the press were ticking him off on Friday. Think he's frustrated with their shit questions, just like we are.

 

[VanGaalEra]

Wonder if it will ever kickstart. With Falcao and van Persie both not looking up to it, there will need to actually be some serious thought for a striker - someone at a younger age with a bit of dynamism and goalscoring about them. I quite like the look of the young Spaniard; Alcacer, but I think he's still too green for the move up at the minute. Either one of the two we have buck up their ideas, or we simply rely on Rooney to carry us through. There's actually some cause for concern here.

There should be no cause for concern in December and the way our season has gone so far. It's not like we're Liverpool who can't score for toffee.

Let's see how the season plays out and reassess come May.

 

[KeninDC]

Bottom line, another 2-3 weeks before he can be considered for a first XI spot? That's around Christmas-Will be nice for him to be available and match fit for those fixturee. Disappointed that's he'll have been out for two months because of his calf injury though.

 

[Sam]

Wonder if it will ever kickstart. With Falcao and van Persie both not looking up to it, there will need to actually be some serious thought for a striker - someone at a younger age with a bit of dynamism and goalscoring about them. I quite like the look of the young Spaniard; Alcacer, but I think he's still too green for the move up at the minute. Either one of the two we have buck up their ideas, or we simply rely on Rooney to carry us through. There's actually some cause for concern here.

I think we massively miss an 'established' striker with genuine pace. Wilson showed it against Stoke, but he's a good few years away from being a regular starter.

If neither RVP or Falcao find their form by the end of the season, I'd be quite supportive of a proper reshuffle up top.

 

[DWelbz19]

There should be no cause for concern in December and the way our season has gone so far. It's not like we're Liverpool who can't score for toffee.

Let's see how the season plays out and reassess come May.

Granted, although conversely, it isn't as though we are the free-scoring force many (including fans) expected. We are still looking a bit lost for ideas and erratic in our finishing, so it isn't as though that area couldn't be improved.

I think we massively miss an 'established' striker with genuine pace. Wilson showed it against Stoke, but he's a good few years away from being a regular starter.

If neither RVP or Falcao find their form by the end of the season, I'd be quite supportive of a proper reshuffle up top.

Yeah, I don't want to drag in a constant debate on here regarding a certain someone but I do agree in that sense. I agree with your last point too, some may argue it is a little early to raise this point, but we'll see.

 

[Sassy Colin]

A few months ago we had possibly the best strike force in World football, now it needs a rethink.

Good grief...

 

[Kag]

I think we massively miss an 'established' striker with genuine pace. Wilson showed it against Stoke, but he's a good few years away from being a regular starter.

If neither RVP or Falcao find their form by the end of the season, I'd be quite supportive of a proper reshuffle up top.

This is where I stand. Sadly, I don't think there are many alternatives kicking around. If he were to ever become a victim of the Madrid merry-go-round, I think Karim Benzema would be the kind of striker we should be taking a serious look at. He's very 'United' in his play style, for want of a better description. Fast, direct and full of energy. His finishing can be questionable but his goal record is certainly impressive. Other than that, I'm a bit stuck. I think Cavani is largely shite, for example.

 

[Sam]

A few months ago we had possibly the best strike force in World football, now it needs a rethink.

Good grief...

Well we didn't.

 

[DWelbz19]

A few months ago we had possibly the best strike forces in World football, now it needs a rethink.

Good grief...

I don't know if that's a condescending tone you're taking but yes, that is how football can work.
When one of those 'best strike forces' has barely played more than 90 minutes once, and the other has 4 goals in 14 appearances, you do start to wonder.

 

[VanGaalEra]

Granted, although conversely, it isn't as though we are the free-scoring force many (including fans) expected. We are still looking a bit lost for ideas and erratic in our finishing, so it isn't as though that area couldn't be improved.
Yeah, I don't want to drag in a constant debate on here regarding a certain someone but I do agree in that sense. I agree with your last point too, some may argue it is a little early to raise this point, but we'll see.

I have faith in RVP and Falcao to come good to be honest. If Falcao can get a run of games, he will score goals. His movement is really good and I expect his finishing to still be lethal.

Wilson is also an impressive player, we're adequately stocked for the time being.

 

[Irrational.]

I'm glad LVG is putting his foot down and ignoring prices and reputations.

I'm sure Falcao knows within himself that his fitness is not of PL standard and will take this on the chin; and try and regain some of that form and fitness, despite the media's best efforts to create a mountain out of a molehill. He seems like a sensible player, not a Tevez.

 

[Raoul]

I'm glad LVG is putting his foot down and ignoring prices and reputations.

I'm sure Falcao knows within himself that his fitness is not of PL standard and will take this on the chin; and try and regain some of that form and fitness, despite the media's best efforts to create a mountain out of a molehill. He seems like a sensible player, not a Tevez.

Yep, agreed. He's eager to prove himself.

 

[Theonas]

Granted, although conversely, it isn't as though we are the free-scoring force many (including fans) expected. We are still looking a bit lost for ideas and erratic in our finishing, so it isn't as though that area couldn't be improved.
Yeah, I don't want to drag in a constant debate on here regarding a certain someone but I do agree in that sense. I agree with your last point too, some may argue it is a little early to raise this point, but we'll see.

We aren't free scoring because we aren't coherent as team yet. Bayern are free scoring without having a one goal per game player, they are because they play extremely well which is what we should be aiming for and not just buy a player who can bail us out with his goals.

 

[Zoo]

He needs a run out for the u21's to get some confidence and sharpness.

 

[DWelbz19]

We aren't free scoring because we aren't coherent as team yet. Bayern are free scoring without having a one goal per game player, they are because they play extremely well which is what we should be aiming for and not just buy a player who can bail us out with his goals.

It isn't the goals per say, but the fact that we have these players with huge names and wages who should perform to that standard. I agree with what you are saying, and would much rather see our tally at the end of the season with RvP, Falcao, Rooney, Mata and maybe even Di Maria and Herrera all in the low double digits than simply relying on one player, but there still needs to be some improvement at the current minute.

 

[Theonas]

It isn't the goals per say, but the fact that we have these players with huge names and wages who should perform to that standard. I agree with what you are saying, and would much rather see our tally at the end of the season with RvP, Falcao, Rooney, Mata and maybe even Di Maria and Herrera all in the low double digits than simply relying on one player, but there still needs to be some improvement at the current minute.

Fair enough. I just think a lot of our fans are very rigid when it comes to what we need. We concede a goal, we need a "leader" at the back. We're not free scoring, we need a prolific goalscorer. We're not crossing enough, we need a pacey winger. Fact is there have been great teams without great defenders. Others without winger and others without a great striker. We need to defend and attack better and how we do it can be achieved through different ways. Van Gaal has his idea about how it should be done and I think that his record means he should be trusted even if his judgement might not agree with footballing clichés.

 

[Pexbo]

Just read that article. What a load of bollocks.

What it is: LvG fraustrated with fixtures and injuries to other players not allowing him to bring Falcao up to what he considers "match fit".

What it is not: LvG annoyed with Falcao himself either not doing enough or being too soft.


I remember someone on here saying recently that word from inside the club is that Falcao is breaking through walls to get fit and nobody has seen anyone train that hard since Ronaldo was there.

 

[Loublaze]

I think we massively miss an 'established' striker with genuine pace. Wilson showed it against Stoke, but he's a good few years away from being a regular starter.

If neither RVP or Falcao find their form by the end of the season, I'd be quite supportive of a proper reshuffle up top.

A few years is too much IMO. If he's ready now just play him as much as possible.

 

[2 man midfield]

If we had a 29 year old Scholes in our squad i'd be all for moving Rooney up there. But he's too influential in other areas really.