Falcao relegated to Manchester United Under-21 team

The Colombia international was substituted in the 72nd minute, having not scored, and was replaced by Joshua Harrop in the match that ended 1-1.

Monaco has given United the first priority to sign the £260,000-a-week on loan striker for £43.5m in Summer though there has been speculations that Old Trafford bosses may not push on with the deal as they seek a long term solution to their striking problems.

The 29-year-old has started just two of United's last five games and was an unused substitute in Monday's FA Cup quarter final defeat at home to Arsenal.

Other first team players who featured in the match included striker James Wilson, keeper Victor Valdes and defender Rafael da Silva who scored Manchester United's goal.

Falcao has four goals in 20 matches since moving to Old Trafford showing a significant drop in form for the striker who had 52 goals in 68 league appearances at Atletico Madrid earning him a £52m move to Monaco.

FALCAO INJURY

Falcao's stellar performance on the pitch was dealt a major blow after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament when playing for Monaco against Chasselay in French cup match putting him out of football action for six months and ruling him out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Falcao seems to have been out of form since then with another injury in November while at Manchester United seemingly aggravating the situation.

Falcao has however not been deterred by his drop in form while insisting that he will work hard on the pitch to remain at Old Trafford.

By Benjamin Wafula