"Falcao will have to fight for a place"

Manchester United forward Robin van Persie hails the signing of Radamel Falcao and admits he is excited with the prospect of competing for a place in the club’s starting line-up.

The Colombian striker joined the Red Devils on a season long loan from French club Monaco as a deadline day transfer on Monday, as manager Louis van Gaal hopes to re-build the side after a disastrous start to the new campaign, where the Old Trafford outfit have just managed two points from three games, losing one and tying the other two.

But Persie feels the 28-year-old’s arrival would make them a better side, and with just two striker positions up for grabs in the Dutch boss’ favoured 3-5-2 formation, the 31-year-old insists on relishing the competition he will now face from Falcao, Wayne Rooney and James Wilson for a spot up front.

“I welcome his arrival, he makes us better,” the Dutch international told Fox Sports NL.

“At a top club you should always go for the best, which also fits my philosophy. Falcao must fight for his place, as I also have to. We must duke with Wayne Rooney and James Wilson to see who is playing.”

Manchester United will play their next league game against Queen Park Rangers on 14th September.