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Radamel Falcao has spoken of his admiration for former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy, a £19m British record signing from PSV Eindhoven in 2001, scored 150 goals in 219 games for United during a five-year period.

The Dutchman collected a Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup winners' medals before he joined Real Madrid in 2006, and he is regarded by many as the greatest goalscorer Sir Alex Ferguson had at Old Trafford.

"I always admired Ruud van Nistelrooy in my position," Falcao told Inside United. "He was a star attraction for me."

Falcao, unsurprisingly, has plenty of respect for several of Van Nistelrooy's teammates - as well as another revered Reds striker.

"Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes too, for their style of play," the Colombian added. "It is much admired by players from all over the world.

"David Beckham, of course. I couldn’t fail to mention him, as he has opened up the routes between continents as a footballer. They are legends who press all the right hero buttons.

"Eric Cantona as well – he was a very exciting and entertaining player to watch."