Falcao under pressure to perform

R adamel Falcao is expected to return for Manchester United as Louis van Gaal’s side attempt to preserve their position in the Premier League’s top four against Sunderland today.

Colombia striker Falcao’s future is far from certain, with the 29-year-old having failed to make a significant impact since joining United on loan from Monaco at the start of the season.

He has scored four goals in 16 league matches and was an unused substitute in United’s 2-1 defeat at Swansea City last weekend, having been largely ineffective against Preston North End in the FA Cup five days earlier.

But with Robin van Persie having limped out of the Swansea match with an ankle injury and James Wilson having suffered a dead leg on Under-21 duty, Falcao is in line to partner Wayne Rooney in attack.

After Monaco stunned Arsenal 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, the Colombian will be desperate to demonstrate that he did not make the wrong career choice by moving to Old Trafford.

Top scorer

Van Persie is United’s top scorer this term with 10 goals in all competitions, while Rooney has nine.

After those two, United have had their Spanish midfielders to thank for their contributions, with Juan Mata on six and Ander Herrera on five.

Herrera, who arrived at Old Trafford from Athletic Bilbao during the close season, is keen to continue to play his part.

“I haven’t really got a target for goals. I think we’re a very attacking side and I just want to help,” said the 25-year-old.

“I knew that scoring goals was one of the things I could improve on, but I don’t want to stop now. I want to keep working and helping the team.

“The most important thing is that we win, but of course, when I score I’m happy.”

Midfielder Michael Carrick was due to return to training this week after an unspecified muscle injury, but is not expected to feature.