Radamel Falcao: The shocking cost to Manchester United of striker's ill-fated loan

The club opted not to sign the Colombian on a permanent basis

Simon Rice
Monday 25 May 2015 08:24 EDT
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Radamel Falcao during his time at Manchester United
Radamel Falcao during his time at Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

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Manchester United effectively paid £4m for every Radamel Falcao goal, analysis of the Colombian's spell at Old Trafford shows.

It was announced by the club yesterday that they wouldn't be taking up the option to sign the striker on a permanent basis following the conclusion of his season-long loan from Monaco.

The decision came as little surprise considering his struggles to make an impact during the campaign.

With Louis van Gaal having wished him well for the future, United can begin counting the cost of Falcao's ill-fated time at the club.

Might United regret letting Falcao go? Seven players who suggest they might...

It was widely reported that Manchester United paid Monaco £6m for the privilege of bringing the striker in on loan. They then had to pay his wages. There is some discrepancy over just how much United were paying, with claims than Monaco could have been topping up Falcao's bank balance each month to ensure he didn't lose out by going on loan. £265,000-a-week is the most widely reported figure United were paying - and with Falcao staying at the club for 37 weeks, the total outlay on wages would have been £9.8m.

That means the total outlay on bringing Falcao to Old Trafford was £15.8m.

So what did Manchester United get for their money?

GOALS: Falcao scored just four goals at a cost of £3.95m each.

Falcao celebrates a goal against Stoke
Falcao celebrates a goal against Stoke (GETTY IMAGES)

APPEARANCES: The Colombian made 26 Premier League appearances - meaning he cost £607,000 every time he pulled the shirt on.

MINUTES: He played 1302 minutes of Premier League football - which means he cost United £12,135 every 60 seconds he was on the pitch.

PASSES: Each pass cost United £40,000.

Falcao with Louis van Gaal
Falcao with Louis van Gaal (GETTY IMAGES)

ASSISTS: Falcao notched up four assists at a cost of £3.95m each.

SHOTS: Falcao had 37 of them - meaning each time he had a go at goal it cost the club £427,027.

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