Radamel Falcao joins Manchester United: Robin van Persie warns striker must fight for his place along with Wayne Rooney and James Wilson

Colombian signed on deadline day on loan for the remainder of the season

Radamel Falcao is presented as a Manchester United player (Twitter/@ManUtd)

Robin van Persie has warned new signing Radamel Falcao that he must fight for his place at Manchester United.

Falcao became the fourth striker on United's books after signing from Monaco on loan on deadline day, after Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, plus the highly rated teenager James Wilson.

"Falcao must fight for his place, as I also have to," Van Persie said. "We must duke with Wayne Rooney and James Wilson to see who's playing."

With the Colombian now at the club, manager Louis van Gaal will have his work cut out to accommodate all of the forwards in his preferred 3-5-2 formation.

Van Persie, though, added that he is looking forward to playing alongside the 28-year-old.

"I welcome his arrival, he makes us better. At a top club you should always go for the best, which also fits my philosophy."

The Dutch striker was blighted by knee injuries last season, but has denied reports suggesting that he requires surgery for the problem.

"I am impressed that people have the imagination to invent something like that," the 31-year-old told foxsports.nl. "I do not know where it comes from and can say with my hand on my heart that I won't be in a hospital to have the operation."