Red Devils assuring themselves a UCL spot?

Radamel Falcao insists he has not lost his desire to succeed at Manchester United despite being increasingly sidelined by boss Louis van Gaal.

Falcao has not started for United since the 2-0 win over Sunderland last month and has scored just four goals in 22 appearances, and Colombia coach Jose Pekerman has described his lack of confidence as "a huge problem".

There now appears no chance of the club opting to make Falcao's loan move from Monaco permanent at the end of the season but the player insists he has not given up hope.

Radamel Falcao warms up ahead of kick-off © Getty Images Enlarge

Speaking to Colombian radio station Radio Caracol, Falcao said: "I just need to play. I can't let myself get worried - I need to be prepared to take the opportunity when it comes.

"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."

He said he had now overcome the knee injury he suffered last year and stressed that regular game time is the only thing he is lacking.

On Van Gaal, he added: "He has to make decisions in the same way any other coach does, and whether or not they're favourable to me I just try to do my job professionally at all times.

"My personal relationship with him is difficult to sum up - every coach has a different way of handling a group of players and they are to do with 'culturas' [cultural differences or approaches to the game], different ways of thinking and different philosophies. I have a completely normal relationship with him."

Falcao is currently on international duty preparing for his country's friendly games in Bahrain and Kuwait, and the 29-year-old appeared to acknowledge that he would need certain assurances in the increasingly unlikely event United move to extend his Old Trafford stay.

"When the championship finishes, of course I will sit down, analyse things and decide what is best for me," Falcao added. "Obviously I need to find a place where I have continuity and where I can play. I am totally focused on the club. There are eight games left and anything can happen."

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