Manchester United: Radamel Falcao hints at Old Trafford exit as he seeks regular game time

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has hinted that he sees his future away from Old Trafford after struggling to nail down a place in the starting XI under Louis van Gaal.

The Colombian striker, who is on a season long loan from Ligue 1 club AS Monaco with an option of making it permanent at the end of the season, has failed to adapt to the Premier League and has struggled for form and fitness since his arrival on transfer deadline day last summer.

Despite the absence of first-choice striker Robin van Persie since the last five games due to an ankle injury, the former Atletico Madrid forward has made just two substitute appearances for United with the manager preferring to start Wayne Rooney ahead of him.

The 29-year-old forward has scored just four goals in 20 appearances for the Red Devils and this return for a striker, earning a reported £250,000-a-week, has not convinced the manager to make his loan deal permanent at the end of the current campaign.

The forward is aware of his position at the club and has confirmed that he will decide his future plans at the end of the season, and may join a club which will provide him with a chance to play regularly unlike at Old Trafford, where he has dropped down the pecking order.

"I think any footballer needs to play and playing makes them happy," Falcao said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"Obviously I need to find a place where I have continuity and where I can play. When the championship finishes, of course I will sit down, analyse things and decide what is best for me," the former Porto striker explained.

"I know there has been a lot of talk, but I try to distance myself from that. People speculate, but I am good and feeling calm. I just need to play."

The Colombian international has refused to blame the manager for his current plight, and insists that he is fully focused on United's last eight games, as they fight Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham for a place in next season's Champions League.

"He (Van Gaal) has to make decisions like any other coach. Regardless of whether they are favourable for me or not, I try to behave in the best way possible, to be professional at all times and to take advantage of the time he gives me," the on-loan forward added.

"I am totally focused on the club. There are eight games left and anything can happen. I am happy at the club and with how the fans and my team-mates have treated me. I will keep fighting until the end at Manchester United," Falcao concluded.