The former England and Spurs manager offers his verdict on Manchester United's transfer deadline day coup
Is this a good signing for Manchester United
Good? It’s phenomenal, the outstanding signing on an incredible deadline day. Falcao’s impact at United will be similar to how Suarez lifted players at Liverpool. Players like Sturridge raised their game to a new level, the desire to win and to be the best swept through the team. That’s what Falcao will do for United.
Is he worth all that money?
Yes. There are very few players in the world who can genuinely make a difference in a team and Falcao is one of them. They’re very, very difficult to get but when the chance comes you have to be bold enough to seize it and United have done that. OK, it’s a lot of money but it’s what the Premier League is about – the fans want to see something special and this keeps the magic alive.
What about Rooney and RVP?
I’ve no worries about them. First and foremost, they’ll want to be a part of this, they’ll want to be playing in a team wthat’s now got Falcao and Di Maria in it. Plus, there’s a very long season ahead, injuries are inevitable and players need to be rested. Falcao gives United strength in depth – which is something Manchester City have in abudance. It’s not done them any harm.
Shouldn’t United have strengthened midfield and central defence?
The two centre backs are certainly a concern, although I think the arrival of Daley Blind slightly escaped the radar because of all the fuss surrounding Falcao’s arrival. He impressed me for Holland at the World Cup and is clearly familiar with Louis Gaal’s 3-5-2 set up – plus United have also brought in Marcos Rojo, so they have strengthened at the back. I still think we ‘ve a lot more to see from Phil Jones as well.