Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils confirm Radamel Falcao exit after loan spell

Manchester United have confirmed striker Radamel Falcao has returned to AS Monaco, following his one-year-long loan spell at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old joined the Red Devils on the final day of the last summer transfer window on a season-long loan deal. United had an option to buy him on a permanent transfer this summer.

However, Louis van Gaal turned down the option to secure the striker's services on a permanent transfer after a disappointing spell with the 20-time English champions. Falcao scored only four goals in 29 appearances during his spell with the Premier League giants.

"Radamel Falcao has returned to AS Monaco following a season-long loan spell at Manchester United," a statement read on United's official website.

The United manager wished the former Atletico Madrid striker on behalf of his players and staff.

"Falcao is a top professional and a good human being. On behalf of myself and everyone at the club I would like to wish him well for the future," Van Gaal said.

With Falcao's exit, United now have the services of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and James Wilson as the three first choice strikers in the squad. The former Arsenal captain's future at Old Trafford is also uncertain as he is linked with a move away from his current employers.

With Falcao's exit and the Dutch international's future hanging in the balance, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager will be looking to bring in a striker in order to strengthen his strike force for the next season. Van Persie's exit could then force him to bring in two attacking players.

The Daily Mail claims that Falcao has informed his agent Jorge Mendes that he wants to continue in the Premier League. The South American star was earning £280,000 a week at United. He is targeting a move to London as he is willing to take a pay cut in order to stay in England.

The striker will now join his national team for the upcoming Copa America and any decision on his future is likely to be decided after the tournament in Chile.