Radamel Falcao: Manchester United reject accusations that striker is two years OLDER than he claims

Reports accuse Falcao of being 30 instead of the 28 he says but United are satisfied with the documentation provided for his season-long loan

Radamel Falcao (Getty Images)

Manchester United have responded to the rumours that new loan signing Radamel Falcao is actually two years older than he claims, dismissing any chance of the striker lying about his age.

A report in The Sun claimed that Falcao, who joined United on deadline day in a £6m season-long loan deal, was in fact 30 years old, not the 28 that he claims. The claim comes from a reported school document that was released some time ago, with similar reports last year suggesting Falcao was born in 1984, not 1986.

However, United have seeked assurances that they were not signing a 30-year-old without their knowledge, and they confirmed that they are happy with the clarification and will not pursue the matter.

The club said: “We were aware of the rumours but it was never an issue for us.”

Despite the recent claims of a discrepancy in his age, original accusations that Falcao was older than he proclaimed originated during his time with Argentinian side River Plate. Having made his professional debut for Colombian second division side Lanceros, it was alleged that he was 15 years old instead of the 13 years that he claimed, with the accused lie making him available for the Under-20 World Cup in 2005.

In response to the claims, Falcao’s family released his birth certificate two years ago in an attempt to dispel the rumours, with leaked school documents adding fuel to the already burning flames.

Speaking after he completed his move to United from AS Monaco, Falcao insisted that he was more concerned with proving his fitness to the Premier League club, but he now believes he is fit and raring to go ahead of his debut for the club this weekend.

“Physically, I feel spectacular,” Falcao said after Colombia’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil in Miami. “As I get into game shape, I believe I’ll show I’m still at the top level.”

Falcao looks set to make his Premier League debut against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.