The fact that Manchester United won 3-1 over Preston on Monday in the FA Cup had nothing to do with what Radamel Falcao did on the field. The Colombian striker was nowhere to be seen during a game his team did not win with ease.
The Colombian striker started the game and played for 60 minutes. In those 60 minutes he did not score, he only gave 18 passes out of which 15 were accurate, one successful tackle, no assists and no shots on goal.
How inactive was Falcao during the game? This heat map says it all
Preston took the lead right after halftime. Before Manchester United tied the game, Ashley Young substituted El Tigre. Then Ander Herrera scored for the Red Devils, followed by Marouane Fellaini and with the game still up for grabs, Wayne Rooney sealed it via a penalty kick.
After 60 minutes, van Gaal decided to make his only substitution of the night
Now, Falcao was the only player that the Dutch manager took off the field, every other started played for 90 minutes. The time to prove he wants to stay at Old Trafford is running out with just 13 regular-season games left this year. Their next FA Cup matchup will be against Arsenal.
“I wonder if we'll ever see him again in a United shirt. He's offered nothing to his team tonight,” Sportsmail columnist Martin Keown said after commentating on the game.
Even Preston fans were not happy with Falcao
"What a waste of money," chanted the Preston fans. Is Falcao's time up at Man Utd? http://t.co/3lsMp4sTN3 #mufc pic.twitter.com/GbCQdM1d5r
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 17, 2015
The 29-year-old striker is living a moment like Fernando Torres had with every team away from Spain. We know he is a talented player. He has shown it in his previous teams like Monaco and Atletico Madrid and in a few games with Man United. But it is obvious that El Tigre is not roaring like expected.
If Falcao does not match the hype he was brought in with, he might be finding an exit from Manchester rather soon. The club is most likely not willing to pay £43m to make his loan a permanent deal.
How fans pictured Falcao on Monday night against Preston North End
This sums up Radamel Falcao's individual performance yesterday.. http://t.co/Z9aKDTO5u1
— Futbol Vines (@FutboIVines) February 17, 2015
Other fans suggested El Tigre how to spend his money
120,000 - Number of contact lenses Radamel Falcao could afford each week to be able see his number appear on the subs board. Squint.
— OptaJoke (@OptaJoke) February 16, 2015
