Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has told new signing Radamel Falcao that he must fight to secure his place in starting 11.

The Colombia international, joined the Red Devils in a £6m season-long loan deal from French Ligue 1 side Monaco on transfer deadline day, with an option to make the deal permanent next year.

However, van Persie believes that the 28-year-old striker is not guaranteed an immediate first-team place at Old Trafford. The Dutchman also feels that a club should always go for the best players.

“I welcome his arrival, he makes us better,” ESPN quotes Van Persie 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.”

Falcao has made 20 appearances for Monaco, scoring 11 goals in last season. He was out of the World Cup 2014 in Brazil because of a knee injury earlier in January.