Ramadel Falcao
Falcao has not been in the best of forms since completing a loan move to Manchester United last summerReuters

Manchester United are reportedly still undecided on whether they want to sign Colombian striker Ramadel Falcao on a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old striker, who completed a £6 million deadline day loan move (with an option to make it permanent for £43 million) to United last season, has failed to impress at Old Trafford this season, managing to net only four goals in 20 appearances.

Some reports in France have indicated that the Red Devils have told AS Monaco that they will not be taking up the option to permanently sign the striker.

However, according to ESPN, manager United boss Louis van Gaal wants to wait till the end of the season before making a final decision on Falcao.

It is believed that United chiefs, who are reportedly impressed by Falcao's work ethic, are certain that the Colombian will be able to shine in the future, despite him not being able to do well in his debut season.

The former Porto striker has a very good chance to prove himself in the closing stages of the season, now that Robin van Persie is facing a lengthy time on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury during the Red Devils defeat to Swansea City last month.

Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev earlier stated that his side will be glad to welcome Falcao back to France if United do not sign him permanently.

Meanwhile, van Gaal admits that his side were lucky to record a narrow victory over at Newcastle and keep their top four hopes alive.

A goalkeeping error from Tim Krul allowed Ashley Young to tap in a late winner in the 89th minute.

And while Young feels that United got their "just rewards", van Gaal feels that his side were extremely lucky to walk away with three points.

"It was a narrow escape because our rivals have won also so it's a rat race," said the Dutchman, according to ESPN. "We have created a lot of chances and could have scored much earlier. They also made two big chances and I think David de Gea rescued us at that time."

However, the former Barcelona boss praised the "fighting spirit" of his team.

"It was a crazy run from Wayne Rooney, a lost ball, that shows the fighting spirit in this team. We want to win. All my changes were to win, not to hold the result."