Radamel Falcao is relishing the opportunity to continue to pit his wits against Barclays Premier League defenders after exhibiting improved form for Manchester United in recent weeks.
"It's more attractive than the French league – defenders are stronger and more aggressive" - Radamel Falcao
The Colombia striker began the campaign by scoring twice in three Ligue 1 matches for Monaco before his deadline-day switch to Old Trafford on a season-long loan.
Niggling injuries hampered hopes of an immediate impact and he scored once in his first eight fixtures, albeit a match-winner in a 2-1 defeat of Everton.
However, two more strikes in away draws at Aston Villa and Stoke City over the festive period have lifted Falcao's spirits and augur well for the rest of the season. Having impressed with Porto in Portugal and Atletico Madrid before joining Monaco, the 28-year-old is well placed to assess the merits of the Barclays Premier League.
"It's more attractive than the French league," he told manutd.com.** "Defenders are stronger and more aggressive. In a good way, you know? It's intense and, well, overall just more physical."**
FALCAO'S STATS FOR MANCHESTER UNITED:
| Played | Started | Goals | Assists | Shots Shot accuracy | Chances created |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 65% |
Falcao also earned plenty of plaudits for a superb assist when setting up Wayne Rooney to score in United's 3-1 home win over Newcastle United.
Scoring goals is what the striker thrives on, though, having hit the back of the net more than 200 times in his career, which took off when starring for River Plate in Argentina.
"Each goal means a lot so I put a lot of passion into my celebrations" - Radamel Falcao
That tally includes a famous hat-trick for Atletico in the 4-1 UEFA Super Cup win over Chelsea in 2012. He also scored twice in their 3-0 UEFA Europa League final defeat of Athletic Bilbao and produced the only goal of the match when Porto edged out Braga to lift the same trophy. However, Falcao insists he has celebrated each of his three Barclays Premier League goals with just as much passion and excitement as any of those strikes in major European fixtures.
"I place a lot of value in the hard work that I have to put in for each goal and I know just how much effort it requires, so that's why I celebrate like that," he said. "For me, each goal means a lot so I put a lot of passion into my celebrations."
Such exuberance has helped Falcao to become a cult figure amongst the United fans, with the forward regularly given a standing ovation even when warming up as a substitute on the Old Trafford sidelines. Swapping the south of France for the north-west of England Falcao is revelling in his new surroundings.
"I'm good," he said. "My family are comfortable. We're enjoying life in Manchester and here at the club. The people have been great with me, with my family. We're happy and very grateful."
"First of all, I'd say thank you so much for the way the fans have treated me. Then I'd want to wish them a happy 2015 and I hope that we can bring them some happiness."
Falcao will be aiming to bring United fans more joy with a home win against Southampton, who lie just a point behind, in the live TV match on Sunday.