With the season coming to an end, Louis Van Gaal will be burdened with the responsibility to build a team that he can compete with next season at Manchester United. Fighting for a top four finish in the English Premier League against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, Van Gaal will also be focusing on rearranging his squad in a manner that will allow him to procure new talents while making way for those not required at Old Trafford. And while there is a lot of dead wood in the squad, three players who seem to have come to an end of their journey at Manchester United are Javier Hernandez, Radamel Falcao and Alex Fergusona s golden boy, Robin Van Persie.
Leta s analyse these three strikers and see if they will figure in the future envisaged by Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United.
Robin Van Persie
Though the inclusion of Van Persie in this list might surprise many, it is no secret that the Dutchman has come to an end to his career at Manchester United. It is surprising to see how the season turned out for the striker after many looked at him as the future captain of the club when Van Gaala s appointment was announced last season. A favourite of the Dutch manager, Van Persie had an impeccable World Cup with the national team and seemed certain to lead the club under Van Gaal.
However a series of injuries coupled with his bad form has rendered the striker ineffectual. Having featured in 24 league games this season and played close to 2000 minutes, Van Persie only has 10 goals to his name. His lack of presence on the pitch has been startling under Van Gaal and coupled with Radamel Falcaoa s abysmal form, the striking duo have been disappointing for the Old Trafford faithful.
At the age of 31, his contract with Manchester United runs till the summer of 2016 which means that this summer transfer window will be the only possible time for the club to sell the player and make some returns on the investment.
Having said this, Van Persie is definitely has a season left in him. However in order to earn a new contract with the Red Devils, Van Persie will have to return to his sublime form in Manchester Uniteda s attempt to qualify for Champions League next season. With a host of tough fixtures lined up for Van Gaal and his men, if there is one man who can make a difference, it is Robin Van Persie.
Radamel Falcao
Roped in as the star signing alongside Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao was entrusted with the responisbiluty to boost Louis Van Gaala s debut season at Old Trafford. However, 30 games into the season, it is clear that the Colombian has failed to earn the Dutchmana s trust, having been relegated to the bench despite proving his a fitnessa . Having earned only 12 starts during his spell at Manchester United, Louis Van Gaal has entrusted Wayne Rooney to lead the teama s attack while leaving the star striker on the bench. It seems eveident that Falcao doesna t figure in Van Gaala s plans after having featured for only 14 minutes in the crucial fixtures against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
With just 8 games left and Van Persie back from his injury, it seems unlikely that Falcao will get the opportunity to convince those in charge at United to extend his stay at Old Trafford. 29 years old and struggling with fitness, Falcao has had a miserable stay at Manchester and looks like a potential disaster in terms of investment.
Chicharito
Out of favour at Manchester United, Chicharito moved to Santiago Bernabeu in search of better opportunities but it seems that there is no end to the Mexican internationala s miseries. Playing second fiddle to Karim Benzema at Real Madrid has taken its toll on Hernandez who recently admitted to being frustrated under Carlo Ancelotti. It is highly unlikely that he will stay put at Madrid and will return to Manchester United at the end of the season to await his fate.
26 years old, Chicharito has the potential to develop into a better striker but knows that he cannot achieve that while sitting on the bench. At the same time, the striker is not in a position to command a starting position at Old Trafford which means that both the parties will look to part ways favourably this summer.