Hes started 48 games over five NFL

MANCHESTER, England -- Just one practice session in the company of Radamel Falcao has convinced Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal that the Colombia striker is the player to turn around the teams flagging fortunes. "I dont have doubts because he is for me one of the best strikers in the world," Van Gaal said on Thursday. "Today in training he got one ball and it was in the goal. He confirmed it in his first training session with me." A glance at Falcaos scoring record since moving to Europe from River Plate in 2009 also suggests Uniteds reported outlay of $25 million in salary and fee for his season-long loan from Monaco is a financial gamble worth taking. At FC Porto, he scored 72 goals in 87 games from 2009-11. At Atletico Madrid, he scored 70 goals in 91 games from 2011-13. And his scoring ratio in half a season at Monaco before he succumbed to a serious knee injury in mid-January was almost one goal every two games. With Falcao, goals are guaranteed. No wonder Van Gaal wore a broad smile as he grabbed Falcaos hand and held it up at the end of his presentation as a United player at Old Trafford on Thursday. Falcao said the right things, too, suggesting he was ready to settle down at United -- his fifth club in five years, all in different countries. "When I was in Porto, Atletico Madrid, I always wanted to improve, and dreamed of playing in a team like (United)," he said in English. "And now, I want to stay here for many years." United has the option of signing Falcao for a reported 44 million pounds ($71 million) at the end of the season. If Falcao can help return the club to the Champions League, it will be a no-brainer for the 20-time English champions. What United and Van Gaal will be keen to see is that Falcao has recovered from the injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that cost him a place in Colombias World Cup squad. He hasnt played 90 minutes since his return, in six matches for club and country. "I feel well," Falcao said. "I started to play two months ago with Monaco and I improved in the last month a lot. I am confident in my physical form. I am comfortable with my knee." Falcao completed his move to United in the final hours of the summer transfer window, arriving at Old Trafford just as another striker in England international Danny Welbeck left to join Arsenal. Critics have suggested that by moving on Welbeck and other young British players like Tom Cleverley and Tom Lawrence this summer, Van Gaal is abandoning the clubs long-held policy of bringing through youth players. At least while United looks to recover its position as one of Englands top teams following a dreadful season under David Moyes in 2013-14. Van Gaal offered a stern defence. "I am always willing to give young players chances but they have to take them," Van Gaal said. "I cannot do that for them. "I have given all the players a chance to convince me of their qualities. Danny Welbeck was here when he was 9 ... but he doesnt have the record of Van Persie or Rooney and that is the standard. That is why we let him go." By moving in successive summers to Atletico, Monaco and now United, Falcao is making a habit of missing out on playing in the Champions League. Its the fifth straight season that he wont be featuring in Europes top club competition, a stage which attracts so many South American players to Europe. "Every player wants to play Champions League," he said. "This year it is not possible in Manchester but we are confident of achieving the qualification for next season." Falcao could make his debut for United in the Premier League match against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. United has two points from its opening three games under Van Gaal. Nike Air Vapormax Outlet . - Mathew Barzal scored 3:47 into overtime as the Seattle Thunderbirds downed the visiting Everett Silvertips 4-3 on Tuesday in Western Hockey League playoff action. Nike Air Vapormax Discount .The McLaren MP4-30 was launched on Thursday, with chief executive Ron Dennis saying it marks the start of a lengthy journey back to winning grands prix and eventually world championships.McLaren, which hasnt won a grand prix since 2012, will be using Honda engines for the first time since 1992, and has signed two-time world champion Fernando Alonso to partner Jenson Button for the upcoming season. http://www.cheapairvapormaxsale.com/.J. -- Travis Zajac of the New Jersey Devils took a lot of grief considering his scored the first of his career-best three goals just 12 seconds into a crucial game against the Florida Panthers. Cheap Nike Air Vapormax China . Coming off a 6-0 drubbing at Chelsea on Saturday, Arsenal endured another demoralizing result after rallying for a 2-1 lead -- only to concede a fluke equalizer. Womens Nike Air Vapormax . Booth picked up 65 caps after making her national team debut in 2002 at the age of 17. She most recently played for Sky Blue FC of the National Womens Soccer League. "It just felt like it was my time to move on," she said in a phone interview from her hometown of Burlington, Ont.ASHBURN, Va. - The Washington Redskins have signed free agent offensive lineman Mike McGlynn. The team announced the move Friday. McGlynn can play centre and both guard positions. Hes started 48 games over five NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts. McGlynn is expected to add depth to a liine that allowed 43 sacks last year, and possibly contend for a starting job.dddddddddddd The Redskins recently signed free agent Shawn Lauvao to play left guard and released centre Will Montgomery. They plan to move Kory Lichtensteiger from left guard to centre, while keeping Chris Chester at right guard. ' ' '