Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Conflicting Reports Surround Radamel Falcao

Radamel Falcao is at the epicenter of conflicting reports surrounding his future with Manchester United, as the Red Devils debate whether to make his purchase permanent. 

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC tweeted details from L'Equipe's report, which claimed United would not be keeping the struggling star:

However, The Guardian contradicted that report, stating that United hadn't decided what to do with the striker just yet:

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Radamel Falcao will have to wait until May to discover if Manchester United are to make his move from Monaco permanent, with manager Louis van Gaal resolved not to make any decision until then.

The striker has struggled for fitness and form since joining on loan last summer in a deal worth £16m.

With the cost for United to take up their option to buy the Colombian set at £43m, Falcao is effectively playing for his future at the club in the closing part of the season, with at least 12 games remaining – 11 in the Premier League plus Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.

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Falcao has struggled to consistently make a positive impression this season despite producing important moments of quality. He has netted four and assisted four in 20 matches across all competitions for the Red Devils, per WhoScored.com—a disappointing return by his standards.

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Although the 29-year-old scored in draws with Aston Villa and Stoke, not to mention the winner against Everton, his overall play has appeared sluggish. He won the penalty Wayne Rooney converted for the recent breakthrough against Sunderland, but up until that point, he had been outmuscled and outfought by one of the division's poorest defences.

Upon the former Atletico Madrid striker's arrival in Manchester, BBC Sport reported United's option to buy stands at £43.5 million. Falcao earns approximately £265,000 per week in England, but L'Equipe's report indicates he hasn't impressed Louis van Gaal enough to extend his tenure.

Van Gaal previously suggested he wishes to give his summer signings, including Falcao, longer than a year to make a successful transition, as reported by Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News:

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It counts for all the players. The first season is always difficult. You can see it with every player we have bought, (Luke) Shaw, (Daley) Blind, (Ander) Herrera, (Marcos) Rojo, Falcao and (Angel) Di Maria. It is not a big surprise. It would be more a surprise if they adapted very quickly.

I have experienced this in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany. It has been the same experience with other players. We have to give them time. It is the same for all the player. We wait and see.

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BBC Sport's Simon Stone doesn't believe United would reveal their intentions to let Falcao leave at this stage of the season:

B/R UK's Sam Tighe suggests there is little point in the club pursuing the player's permanent signature:

Falcao could make himself essential to the club's future with a positive turn of form along the final 11 Premier League games of the season. Should he thrust United into the Champions League with a late flurry of goals, supporters will likely beg for his presence to be tied down.

Right now, fans continue to witness an individual who fails to break beyond the opposition's defensive line. His movement is laboured, and, unlike much of his career, Falcao has been anonymous in many matches. Football writer Sam Pilger believes the Colombian's display against Sunderland hints he could rediscover his old form:

Van Gaal and United have to be 100 percent sure before committing, though. United must adhere to UEFA's financial fair play rules if they qualify for European football, meaning a transfer sum of Falcao's size would have a major impact on who else could be signed.

Investment is needed all over the pitch, and with players such as Mile Jedinak currently outscoring Falcao in the Premier League, it's likely pushing him back to Monaco will allow a greater overall squad enhancement to take place.