Radamel Falcao: AS Monaco chief explains why Colombian star is struggling at Manchester United

AS Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev claims Radamel Falcao is not feeling loved at Manchester United, which has been the reason behind his struggle at Old Trafford.

The Colombian international joined the 20-time English champions on a season-long loan on the deadline day of the 2014 summer transfer window. Since joining the Premier League side, Falcao has struggled to replicate his form at his previous clubs.

The former Atletico Madrid striker has scored four goals and managed four assists in 16 league appearances this season. United manager Louis van Gaal dropped Falcao on the bench during his side's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Swansea City.

The 29-year-old suffered a knee injury in January 2014, which forced him to miss the World Cup in Brazil. Vasilyev claims Falcao needs support and trust from Van Gaal in order to regain his confidence at United.

"I am not worried for Falcao. He is a great player and goal scorer. Mentally he is strong and technically he is one of the best. Sometimes you have a difficult spell, and little things make the difference. It can be the trust of the coach," Vasilyev said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"Football has many examples of amazing players who go from one team to another and are not the same, then go back and explode. After a difficult period you need support, you need confidence."

United have an option to make Falcao's deal permanent after the end of the season. However, his poor form has forced the Red Devils to rethink their option of securing his services on a permanent transfer.

The uncertainty behind Falcao's future at United has seen him being linked with a return to Spain, with Atletico's local rivals Real Madrid keen on signing him in the summer. Vasilyev had earlier admitted that the Ligue 1 side have already been approached by the big clubs for the availability of the South American star.

"It's up to Manchester United to take a decision but I'm not worried for him because we have interest from other big clubs," the Monaco vice-president revealed.