Radamel Falcao: Manchester United took a "gamble" on me

Radamel Falcao has claimed that Manchester United have taken a "gamble" by loaning him from Monaco.

The Colombia international striker missed the World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury earlier this year, but moved to the Red Devils on a season-long deal last month after returning to action.

"Manchester United were the ones that gambled on me when it was very difficult to do so," he told Onda Cero. "It has been a very difficult year, not just in my professional career.

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

The former Atletico Madrid striker also revealed that he wants to make the move to Old Trafford permanent when his short-term stay expires at the end of the campaign.

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

Falcao scored his first goal for Louis van Gaal's side as they beat Everton 2-1 on Sunday.