Radamel Falcao: Colombian striker 'really wants to stay' at Manchester United - but it depends on how much he plays

United can make his loan move from Monaco permanent for £43.5m

Radamel Falcao says that he "really wants to stay" at Manchester United - but he has admitted that a permanent move depends on how much he plays form now until the end of the season.

The Colombian has struggled with injuries and finding form since joining the club on a season-long loan from French side Monaco on transfer deadline day, scoring just once in 11 appearances for the club.

United have an option to buy him on a permanent deal for £43.5m at the end of the season, and the 28-year-old says that he would be keen to remain at Old Trafford, but only if he plays more this season.

Falcao has not started a game since he scored his only United goal against Everton on 5 October. He has appeared in United's last three matches, after recovering from a calf injury.

"I am very happy in this city, in this club and I am enjoying it here. I really want to stay," the striker, who cost Monaco £52m from Atletico Madrid 18 months ago, told Press Association Sport.

"From my point of view, I'd like to carry on but obviously I have to analyse the situation, see if I play more and see what decision the board takes."

"Every footballer wants to play, no one is happy when they are not playing, when they are on the bench, but whenever I am given the opportunity, whether it be for five, 10, 20 or 90 minutes, I have to give my best," he said.

"I feel ready for the moment that the team needs me. Whenever I have the opportunity to come on I try to do my best for the coach and I try to help the team."

When asked whether he had spoken to manager Louis van Gaal about his lack of playing time, Falcao said: "We talk a lot.

"He has a philosophy that I respect. I have had an injury, and I have had to wait for the opportunity to play.

"I am not playing many minutes at the moment but I am sure that there will more opportunities to play."

Falcao suffered a serious knee injury in January which ruled him out of the World Cup, but he insisted recently that his fitness troubles were down to a calf problem he suffered after receiving a kick in training. Falcao hopes he will soon reach peak fitness and start repaying the club for the money they have invested in him.

"I'm almost at 100 per cent now, let's see wait and see what the decision of the coach is, when he wants to use me more," said Falcao.

Additional reporting by PA